Abdominal pain is a very common complaint experienced by many people, and can be caused by a variety of different conditions. Generally, abdominal pain can be divided into four main types: visceral, somatic, referred and peritoneal pain.
Visceral pain originates from the internal organs of the abdominal cavity, such as the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, or liver. This type of pain is typically described as a dull, cramping, or aching sensation. Common causes of visceral pain include appendicitis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, and constipation.
Somatic pain is caused by irritation or injury of the skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the abdomen. This type of pain tends to be localized, sharp, and can be easily pinpointed. Common causes of somatic abdominal pain include abdominal wall strain, muscle spasms, or hernia.
Referred pain is caused by a condition in a different area of the body that radiates to the abdomen. This type of pain is typically dull and aching in nature. Common causes of referred abdominal pain include inflammation of the pancreas, kidney stones, or gallstones.
Peritoneal pain is caused by inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity known as the peritoneum. This type of pain is sharp and localized, and is usually caused by appendicitis or a perforated ulcer.
No matter what type of abdominal pain you may be feeling, it is always important to seek medical attention if your symptoms do not improve or worsen with time.