Visceral pain is pain related to internal organs that you feel in the midline of the body.
Visceral pain affects more than 20% of the world's population. But it remains poorly understood despite recent advances in pain therapy.
Understanding Visceral Pain
Visceral pain starts in the organs of the chest, belly, or pelvis and nearby tissue.
The pain has many features that can be recognized, including:
- It starts in the middle of the body, but you may feel it in other areas.
- It leads to sensitivity in the affected area or elsewhere.
- It is diffuse and difficult to locate.
- It often comes along with other symptoms, such as vomiting, sweating, or a racing heart.
- It is strongly linked to psychological symptoms, such as depression.
Visceral pain varies widely from person to person. In some cases, you may feel visceral pain more as an emotional symptom, such as anguish, than as physical discomfort. The degree of pain may also not match the extent of the internal damage. Some people feel extreme visceral pain from nonserious conditions, while others experience less pain than expected from something as serious as a heart attack.
What Does Visceral Pain Feel Like?
You might describe visceral pain as a dull ache, but other ways to describe it include:
- Gnawing
- Twisting
- Colicky
- Deep
- Pressure
What's the Difference Between Visceral Pain and Somatic Pain?
Unlike somatic pain (pain that occurs in tissues such as the muscles, skin, or joints), visceral pain is often vague, happens every so often, and feels like a deep ache or pressure.
Causes of Visceral Pain
In the visceral organs, pain receptors are not as closely packed and not as evenly spread out as in other organs. This makes the pain's origin much harder to pinpoint and treat.
The most common causes of visceral pain include:
- Inflammation
- Menstrual cramps
- Swelling and stretching of the organs
- Blockage — particularly of the bowels or urethra
- Decreased blood flow
- Tumors — particularly when concentrated in the pelvis or abdomen
These causes are often the result of an underlying health condition or disorder, such as:
Visceral pain is common. People often know it to be part of another condition they're dealing with. But it can also indicate serious conditions that require prompt medical attention.
If you suddenly experience visceral pain, see your doctor immediately in order to rule out the following conditions:
Your doctor will decide whether you need emergency treatment. Even if you do not, they will diagnose the cause of the pain and help you manage your discomfort.
Treatments for Visceral Pain
The most effective remedy for visceral pain depends on the underlying cause of the pain. Depending on the cause, treatment may include:
- Drugs
- Surgery
- Hormone therapy
- Radiofrequency treatment
- Post-op rehab and physical therapy
- Other medical procedures
Along with addressing the underlying condition, doctors can help you manage the pain. In the hospital, they may opt for intravenous care, using an IV to send pain medication directly into your bloodstream.
Medications for visceral pain
In a clinical setting, doctors may choose to inject local painkillers into affected areas, but most outpatient drug therapy is either oral or topical. It includes:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories
- Neuropathic pain medications, such as gabapentin or pregabalin
- Acetaminophen
- Lidocaine
- Capsaicin
- Opioids
Alternative therapies for visceral pain
Your doctor may also recommend that you try alternative therapies — particularly in cases where traditional treatments either don't work or would be dangerous. For example, a patient with an opioid addiction would be a poor candidate for certain drug therapies.
Many alternative therapies have been successful for some people. None of them has proven effective for all possible sources of visceral pain, and all of them require further scientific research. These therapies include:
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture — particularly in the ear
- Yoga
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Dry needling
- Neuromuscular therapy
Depending on the cause, pain can often be reduced through changes to diet and activity as well. These modifications can be particularly effective for intestinal pain, which is often made worse by eating certain foods.
If you suffer from chronic visceral pain related to an untreatable condition, your doctor may focus entirely on therapies to improve your quality of life. In addition to the pain management practices, they may recommend certain psychological or social support measures.
The field of pain management is constantly evolving. Because visceral pain is so common, many studies have been done in the last 20 years. If you have this condition, talk to your doctor about the latest treatments.
Takeaways
Pain that starts in your chest, belly, or pelvis is referred to as visceral pain, and it could signal a problem with your internal organs. Visceral pain can feel different for different people — it can be dull, crampy, gnawing, or persistent. The pain can also come with certain health conditions, such as menstrual cramps or irritable bowel syndrome. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of visceral pain. They can treat the underlying cause and also prescribe certain over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or prescription medications to treat nerve pain.
Visceral Pain FAQs
What are examples of visceral pain?
Examples of visceral pain, which is pain that comes from your internal organs, can include pain from menstrual cramps, Crohn's disease, or urinary tract infections.
Is visceral hypersensitivity the same as visceral pain?
No, visceral hypersensitivity is not the same as visceral pain. While visceral pain is pain from your internal organs, visceral hypersensitivity refers to having a response, or sensitivity, to things that usually don't cause pain or a stronger pain response to something that's only mildly painful.
What is a visceral sensation?
Visceral sensation is being aware of sensations (including pain) that come from your internal organs and can include feeling bloated, full, or nauseous.
Is visceral pain weight-related?
Visceral pain can be related to weight, specifically fat that surrounds your internal organs (visceral fat). Extra weight in this area can lead to inflammation and sensitivity to pain.
