There are two main types of pain: Nociceptive and Non-Nociceptive. Each can be further divided into two subtypes:

Nociceptive

• Somatic pain arises from damage or irritation to the tissues and skeletal structures, such as muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, or skin. It is typically described as a sharp, aching, or throbbing sensation that is well-localised, meaning the individual can clearly identify the area of discomfort. This type of pain generally responds well to treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol.
• Visceral pain originates from the internal organs located within the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic regions. Unlike somatic pain, it is often vague, non-specific, and more difficult to localise. It may present as a dull, deep ache and can sometimes cause referred pain, where discomfort is felt in an area distant from the actual source. This type of pain typically responds to treatment with opioids, a class of analgesic (pain-relieving) medications that are effective in managing moderate to severe visceral pain.