Visceral Pain

Visceral pain is pain originating from the internal thoracic, pelvic, or abdominal organs, such as the stomach, bladder, or uterus. It is a complex and heterogenous condition that can range from mild discomfort to intense pain.

What are the symptoms?

Unlike somatic pain, visceral pain is usually vague and not localised. In most cases, it is not fully understood or clearly defined and so, can be complex to treat. It often feels like a pressure or ache.

Causes and Treatment

Visceral pain is thought to occur when there is damage or disruption to internal organs and/or tissues. Potential causes can include:

  • Injury to internal organs
  • Damage to core muscles or abdominal wall
  • Spasms in core muscles
  • Digestive problems such as constipation
  • Infection of the digestive and renal systems
  • Cancer of the internal organs
  • Endometriosis
  • Menstrual pain
  • Prostate damage

Treatment of visceral pain is often more complex than other kinds of pain as it is usually more widely spread and more difficult to pinpoint than other forms of pain. However, painkillers and other medications (such as NSAIDs) are sometimes prescribed to help manage symptoms.

Cause and treatment

Visceral pain is thought to occur when there is damage or disruption to internal organs and/or tissues. Potential causes can include:

  • Injury to internal organs
  • Damage to core muscles or abdominal wall
  • Spasms in core muscles
  • Digestive problems such as constipation
  • Infection of the digestive and renal systems
  • Cancer of the internal organs
  • Endometriosis
  • Menstrual pain
  • Prostate damage

Treatment of visceral pain is often more complex than other kinds of pain as it is usually more widely spread and more difficult to pinpoint than other forms of pain. However, painkillers and other medications (such as NSAIDs) are sometimes prescribed to help manage symptoms.

Medical Cannabis and Visceral Pain

Medical cannabis has long been considered a potential alternative to strong painkillers for the management of pain. There is growing evidence that the endocannabinoid system plays an

important role in pain signalling. This could make cannabinoids a useful therapy for pain management.

Our specialist clinicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.

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