How do nociceptors work

The first type is A fiber axon, which are fibers surrounded by a fatty, protective sheath called myelin. Myelin allows nerve signals called action potentials to travel rapidly. The second type is C fiber axons, which are not surrounded by myelin, and thus transmit action potentials at a slower speed.

Due to the difference in transmission speed between the A and C fibers, the pain signals from the A fibers reach the spinal cord first. As a result, after an acute injury, a person experiences pain in two phases, one from the A fibers and one from the C fibers.

When an injury occurs such accidentally cutting your finger with a knife , the stimulated nociceptors activate the A fibers, causing a person to experience sharp, prickling pain. This is the first phase of pain, known as fast pain, because it is not especially intense but comes right after the painful stimulus.

During the second phase of pain, the C fibers are activated, causing a person to experience an intense, burning pain that persists even after the stimulus has stopped. The fact that burning pain is carried by the C fibers explains why upon touching a hot stove, there is a short delay before feeling the burn.

Aching, sore pain is also carried by the C fibers and arises from organs within the body for example, a sore muscle or stomachache. In the end, while experiencing pain is actually a healthy, adaptive human process our body's way of telling us something is wrong , pain can also be inaccurate. For instance, while banging your knee on your desk may hurt badly at the moment, it likely didn't cause lasting damage.

This is why taking pain medication, such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory NSAID , to block nociceptor activation is sensible when the "pain alert" is being addressed. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Purves D, Augustine GJ. In: Neuroscience. Sunderland, Sinauer Associates. Chapter 6: Pain Principles. Ngassapa DN. Comparison of functional characteristics of intradental A- and C-nerve fibres in dental pain.

East Afr Med J. Dubin AE, Patapoutian A. Nociceptors: the sensors of the pain pathway. It is not intended to give specific medical or other advice to patients. Visitors interested in medical advice should consult with a physician. Ask a neuroscientist your questions about the brain. Submit a Question. Explain the brain to your students with a variety of teaching tools and resources. For Educators Log in. Ask an Expert. About the Author. Submit Your Question.

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It goes down your arm or leg through a nerve that comes from the the spinal cord. Radiculopathy is an example of a condition that causes radicular pain. Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve is pinched in the spine. It causes numbness, weakness, and tingling — or feelings of pins and needles — among other symptoms. Somatic pain happens when any of the pain receptors in your tissues, such as muscles, bone, or skin, are activated.

This type of pain is often stimulated by movement. Headaches and cuts are both considered somatic pain. Visceral pain happens when internal organs, such as involuntary muscles in the heart, are injured or inflamed. This type of pain is usually described as aching. The location may seem vague. Treatment of this type of pain depends on the seriousness of the injury.

In the case of minor injuries, the pain quite often goes away as the injury heals. However, if your pain continues, you need to talk with your doctor. Your pain management is decided based on your symptoms and what caused the pain. Your doctors will assess:. This sends pain radiating down your leg or arm. Sometimes the pain can be relieved by an epidural steroid injection combined with physical therapy. Pain caused by a bruise should go away once the bruise has healed. Talk to your doctor if your pain is severe or persistent.

They can help you find ways to manage or treat your pain. If you're dealing with lower back pain, you know how difficult it can be to get a good night's sleep. Most lower back pain is a result of stress or…. The telltale symptoms of sciatic nerve pain are severe pain in your back, buttocks, and legs.