types of pain

9 Different Types of Pain

By Gladiator Therapeutics

February 2, 2024

Everyone has dealt with pain, but unless you have a chronic condition, the way you feel pain is different between experiences. Either way, it is an unpleasant sensation that can range from mild discomfort to debilitating agony. While each person experiences pain differently, we have been able to distinguish between types of pain. These types are classified based on cause, duration, location, and intensity. If you’re suffering from pain, the healing products at Gladiator Therapeutics may be able to alleviate some of the sensations associated with different types of pain.

Types of Pain

#1. Acute Pain

Acute pain is defined as a sharp, intense pain that lasts for a short period. This pain typically subsides as the underlying cause heals unless it healed incorrectly or, in the case of a cut, was infected. It can be caused by an injury, surgery, or infection, which means it could be anything from a small prick to an intensive laceration or internal injury.

Acute pain serves as a warning signal for the body to protect itself and can be effectively managed with medications, physical therapy, or heat therapy.

#2. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain persists for an extended time. To be considered chronic, it usually needs to last longer than three months, but chronic pain can be anticipated in a medical diagnosis in some cases.

It can result from an injury or illness that has not healed fully, nerve damage, or underlying medical conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. Chronic pain can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may require a multi-faceted, long-term approach to manage effectively. Gladiator Therapeutics healing devices specialize in this type of pain and its subtypes.

#3. Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to the nervous system, resulting in abnormal or exaggerated nerve signals. This type of pain can be chronic, severe, and difficult to treat. Conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, shingles, and multiple sclerosis can cause neuropathic pain. Gladiator Therapeutics devices can help reduce the symptoms, but other procedures and medications may be needed to treat the cause.

#4. Inflammatory Pain

Inflammatory pain is caused by swelling or inflammation in the body. It can be acute, as in the case of a sprained ankle, or chronic, as in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

This type of pain can be managed with anti-inflammatory medications or non-pharmaceutical treatments such as Gladiator Therapeutics’ healing devices.

#5. Psychogenic Pain

Psychogenic pain is caused by psychological factors. This could mean that the pain is caused by things such as stress, anxiety, or depression. It is often chronic but can be acute, and can significantly impact a person’s mental and emotional well-being.

Addressing the underlying psychological factors through therapies and techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy can help manage psychogenic pain effectively. There are instances where a healing device from Gladiator Therapeutics can alleviate the symptoms.

#6. Nociceptive Pain

Nociceptive pain is the most common type of pain and is caused by tissue damage or injury. It is typically described as a throbbing, aching, or sharp sensation. This type of pain is commonly acute but can also be chronic depending on the cause.

#7. Radicular Pain

Radicular pain is a type of neuropathic pain that radiates from the spine to other parts of the body. It’s common to feel it in the arms or legs. It is often caused by spinal nerve compression or inflammation. Conditions such as sciatica or herniated discs can cause radicular pain. Gladiator Therapeutics healing devices can help manage the symptoms.

#8. Phantom Pain

Phantom pain is a type of neuropathic pain that occurs after amputation or loss of a body part. It is often described as tingling, burning, or stabbing sensations where the missing limb would be.

This type of pain can be challenging to treat and may require a combination of medications and non-pharmaceutical treatments.

#9. Referred Pain

Referred pain, on the other hand, is felt in an area different from its source. For example, pain in the shoulder may be referred to as a heart attack. It can be acute or chronic and may require different types of treatments depending on the underlying cause.

In some cases, particularly in chronic cases, Gladiator Therapeutics products can help.

Common Misconceptions About Pain

Several misconceptions about pain can hinder effective pain management. One common myth is that you should ‘tough it out’ instead of treating it. This misconception can lead to unnecessary suffering and, in some cases, make the underlying problem worse. Another misconception is that all pain is a direct result of physical injury or illness. However, psychological factors like stress or depression can significantly contribute to chronic pain.

Lastly, there’s a misconception that medication is the only solution for pain relief. Non-pharmaceutical treatments, such as those provided by Gladiator Therapeutics, can effectively alleviate both acute and chronic pain by enhancing circulation and promoting the body’s natural healing process.

How Gladiator Therapeutics Can Help

Gladiator Therapeutics offers Far Infrared (FIR) powered healing devices that can help alleviate different types of pain. For those experiencing acute pain, FIR therapy can help speed up the healing process and reduce discomfort. It can also be used as a complementary treatment for chronic pain, providing relief and improving your overall well-being.

Moreover, FIR therapy is effective in treating both nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Additionally, the deep penetration of FIR light can target damaged nerves and provide relief for neuropathic pain.

In cases of radicular or referred pain, FIR therapy can help by targeting the root cause of the discomfort. By promoting healing at the spinal level, it can reduce nerve compression and inflammation, providing relief to the affected areas.

Contact Gladiator Therapeutics to Learn How We Can Help

There are various types of pain, each with its unique characteristics and causes, and in most cases, requires different kinds of treatment. However, Gladiator Therapeutics’ FIR-powered healing devices offer a non-invasive and natural solution to manage pain. Whether it is acute or chronic, nociceptive or neuropathic, radicular or referred pain, FIR therapy can help provide relief and improve overall quality of life. Don’t let pain hold you back. Contact us for more information about our healing products today.