Sensitization in visceral pain and hyperalgesia

Humans experience both visceral pain and visceral hyperalgesia. Animal and clinical studies have documented differences in the anatomy and physiology of visceral sensory circuits as compared with somatic sensory pathways, providing mechanisms to explain some of the unique characteristics of visceral pain. Evidence further suggests that both peripheral and central sensitization increase visceral sensitivity, leading to the increased perception of pain—visceral hyperalgesia. A more thorough understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the processing of visceral stimuli will improve our ability to treat individuals suffering from acute and chronic visceral pain and hyperalgesia.