Pain that arises from abdominal or thoracic organs is referred to as what type of pain?

Visceral pain is specifically associated with pain that originates from internal organs located in the abdominal or thoracic cavities. This type of pain is often described as being deep, dull, or squeezing, and it can be difficult for patients to pinpoint the exact location of the discomfort.

Visceral pain differs significantly from somatic pain, which arises from the skin, muscles, or joints and tends to be more localized and easier to describe. While referred pain involves pain that is perceived in an area different from where the pain originates—often linked to visceral sources—it is not the term that directly describes pain emanating from the organs themselves. Radicular pain refers to pain that radiates from a nerve root due to irritation or compression, which is also not applicable here.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, as the management of visceral pain may differ significantly from that of somatic or referred pain.