This document discusses different types of pain and methods for pain management. It defines nociceptive and non-nociceptive pain, and describes somatic and visceral pain. The management of pain is important both for humanitarian and medical reasons. Common routes of analgesic delivery include oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous bolus, continuous intravenous infusion, and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Epidural administration is also discussed as superior to intravenous PCA for major abdominal surgery or lower limb amputation, when monitored appropriately.

1. Pain