Trauma pain is any pain resulting from a physical injury or wound caused by external force or violence. Because of its broad definition, trauma pain can result from a virtually limitless amount of injuries. Similarly, the degree to which pain is experienced as a result of trauma can also vary from minor to severe, depending on the nature of the injury or wound.

Complications associated with acute trauma are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, especially in young people.

Nociceptors (nerve endings) play an important role in interpreting trauma pain. They first draw attention to the injury, then transport information from the injured location to the brain where it is translated into pain. Nociceptive pain is usually described as aching, sharp or throbbing, and can result from any injury that damages tissues, including cuts, bruises, fractures and burns.

Severe trauma pain may cause the body to act in certain ways to minimize injury, such as increasing blood flow to vital organs. Minor trauma pain is usually the result of common injuries such as scrapes and bruises and does not typically require medical attention.

Acute pain (sudden, short-term pain) and trauma pain often overlap. Sometimes traumatic injuries lead to chronic pain when pain persists longer than expected. Pain can result also from repeated minor trauma over time rather than one sudden injury. Examples of cumulative trauma disorders (repetitive strain injuries) include bursitis, tendinitis and tennis elbow.

Individuals sometimes experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an event involving trauma pain. PTSD is a psychological disorder characterized by continued frightening thoughts stemming from a traumatic ordeal. Typically it affects victims of violent crime or tragic events.

Severe trauma pain requires medical attention. In instances where the patient is unable to communicate with the physician, monitoring of vital signs including blood pressure and heart rate may be necessary. Gathering of a patient’s medical history is also an important component of accurately treating trauma pain. Certain forms of trauma pain may require the use of imaging tests such as MRI or CAT scan.

Treatments vary depending on the type and seriousness of the injury or wound and may range from splinting to surgery. Common over-the-counter analgesics such as aspirin or acetaminophen may resolve pain in mild cases. In more severe incidents, opioids may be prescribed.

Trauma pain can occur from a virtually infinite list of activities or circumstances (e.g., auto accidents, violent crime, sports injuries). Consequently, fail-safe preventative measures in relation to trauma pain do not exist. However, taking certain steps, such as wearing a seat belt while traveling, can minimize one’s risk of enduring trauma and trauma pain.