What is this pain that comes from all over the body? Let's talk about Somatic Pain

We all experience pain at least once in our lives, right? Imagine, your hand suddenly burns while you're doing something in the kitchen, your leg twists and sprains while walking down the street, or that stabbing pain you feel when your elbow hits the corner of a table. This is the kind of pain we experience all the time, and the kind that we can point to as "this is where it hurts" and that's what medical science calls somatic pain . Today, let's talk about this simply and in a friendly way.

Simply put, what is somatic pain?

Somatic pain is pain that is caused by damage to, or inflammation of, specific tissues in your body. Let's take a look at what these tissues are:

• Your skin: Things like a cut, scrape, or burn.
• Bones: Pain felt when a bone breaks (fracture).
• Muscles: Muscle strain, pain that occurs after strenuous exercise.
• Joints: Things like a sprain, arthritis.
• Ligaments and tendons: These are the structures that connect bones to each other and muscles to bones. These can be damaged.
• Mucous membranes: Sores that form inside the mouth or nose.
• Chest and abdominal walls: Damage to the muscles of these.

Simply put, this is pain that occurs on the surface of our body and in the bones and muscles. Most of the time, this pain is temporary (acute), meaning it lasts less than six months. But sometimes it can become chronic , meaning it can last for a long time.

What is the difference between somatic pain and visceral pain?

There are several types of pain. Knowing the differences between them will help you better understand your pain. Let's look at the table below.

How does this pain feel?

Somatic pain can be experienced in many ways. Many people describe it this way:

• Stabbing: A sudden, sharp pain.
• Sharp: A clear, sharp pain.
• Aching: A deep pain felt in the muscles or bones.
• Cramping: Pain caused by muscle contraction.

Depending on the severity of the injury, this pain can range from a slight ache to severe pain. It can also be superficial (e.g., a skin scrape) or deep (e.g., a broken bone).

Why do we have this pain?

There are many causes of somatic pain. Here are some examples that we see frequently:

• Hard impact: Bruises caused by hitting something like a table or chair.
• Cuts and scrapes: Wounds on the skin or in the mouth.
• Burns: Sunburn, heat, or chemical burns.
• Infections: Skin or ear infections.
• Muscle, ligament, or tendon tear.
• Muscle cramps.
• Joint dislocation.
• Sprains: Like a sprained ankle.
• Bone fractures.
• Bone-related diseases such as osteoarthritis .

The scientific process by which we feel pain

The fact that our body feels this pain is an amazing process. Think of it like a defense system in your body.

1. Injury: Heat, pressure, or a sharp object can damage your body's cells.

2. Release of chemical signals: Damaged cells release special chemicals into surrounding tissues.

3. Sensory activation: Our nervous system has special sensors called nociceptors . These are like an alarm system. When those chemicals are caught by these sensors, they send an emergency signal to the brain.

4. The brain interprets the signal: The brain interprets this incoming signal as "pain." It also locates the exact location of the signal and tells you, "Your hand hurts."

5. Reaction: The brain responds to pain with a protective response. For example, if you touch a hot stove, you instinctively withdraw your hand as soon as you feel the pain, right? That's the process.

How does a doctor find the cause of this pain?

If you have unexplained pain, your doctor will ask you a few questions.

• Are there any other symptoms along with the pain? (e.g. swelling, redness, fever)
• How long has the pain been going on?
• What kinds of things make the pain worse or worse?
• How does the pain feel? (Is it sharp or aching?)

Then, the doctor will perform a physical examination to determine the cause of the pain. Sometimes, if the cause is not clear, they may also recommend tests such as blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI scans .

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain.

Things you can do at home

• Hot and cold therapy: Applying a heating pad or ice pack.
• The RICE method: Rest , Ice , Compression , and Elevation is very useful in cases of sprains.
• Common painkillers: Taking medications such as NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or Paracetamol as directed by your doctor.
• Muscle strengthening exercises: For muscle-related pain.

Situations requiring medical attention

• Physical therapy
• Casts or splints
• Hydrotherapy
• Painkillers prescribed by a doctor.
• Muscle relaxants.
• Steroid medications (Corticosteroids): as pills or ointments.
• Steroid injections
• Therapeutic massage

When should you definitely see a doctor?

Although normal somatic pain will subside in a few days, in some cases it is important to seek medical advice. Be sure to see your doctor in the following cases:

• If the pain does not subside in a few days, worsens , or recurs after treatment.
• If you feel stressed or anxious because of the pain.
• If you have difficulty sleeping due to pain.
• If you are unable to perform your daily activities due to pain.
• If you have a serious injury, broken bone, deep cut, or severe burn, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.