Visceral pain: the ins and outs, the ups and downs.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Visceral pain represents a major clinical problem, yet far less is known about its mechanisms compared with somatic pains, for example, from cutaneous and muscular structures.

RECENT FINDINGS: In this review, we describe the neuroanatomical bases of visceral pain signalling in the peripheral and central nervous system, comparing to somatic pains and also the channels and receptors involved in these events. We include an overview of potential new targets in the context of mechanisms of visceral pain and hypersensitivity.

SUMMARY: This review should inform on the recognition of what occurs in patients with visceral pain, why comorbidities are common and how analgesic treatments work.