Understanding Pain: Nociceptive, Neuropathic, and Nociplastic Pain
By the Team at Epoch Health
At Epoch Health, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge to better understand their health—especially when it comes to pain. Whether you're seeking chiropractic care, massage therapy, nutritional support or counselling, it’s important to recognise that pain isn't one-size-fits-all.
Pain can originate from different sources and behave in distinct ways. Classifying pain into three key categories—nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic—helps us tailor your treatment plan to address not just the symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms as well.
1. Nociceptive Pain – “Tissue Damage Pain”
Nociceptive pain is what most people typically associate with injury or inflammation.
What it is: Pain from actual or potential tissue damage.
Common sensations: Sharp, throbbing, or aching pain.
Typical causes: Sprains, strains, joint inflammation, muscle overuse, or postural stress.
How we help at Epoch: Chiropractic adjustments, targeted massage therapy, and functional rehab all play a role in restoring tissue health and movement.
2. Neuropathic Pain – “Nerve-Related Pain”
This type of pain arises from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system.
What it is: Pain caused by nerve injury or disease.
Common sensations: Burning, tingling, electric-shock like pain, or pins and needles.
Typical causes: Sciatica, nerve impingement, diabetic neuropathy.
How we help at Epoch: Our chiropractors assess spinal and neural involvement, while massage therapists and nutritionists may support healing with nervous system regulation and anti-inflammatory strategies.
3. Nociplastic Pain – “Pain without Obvious Damage”
Nociplastic pain is more complex and doesn’t fit the traditional injury or nerve model.
What it is: Pain caused by abnormal pain processing in the nervous system without clear structural damage.
Common sensations: Widespread, diffuse pain with increased sensitivity to touch or movement.
Typical causes: Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, some chronic back or neck pain cases.
How we help at Epoch: A multidisciplinary approach works best—chiropractic care to optimise nervous system function, massage to reduce muscular tension, counselling for emotional triggers, and nutrition to support systemic inflammation and gut-brain health.
Why This Matters
At Epoch Health, we view pain through a biopsychosocial lens—this means we consider your body, mind, and lifestyle. Understanding what type of pain you're experiencing is the first step to building an effective, personalised care plan.
Whether you’re recovering from injury or navigating long-standing discomfort, our team is here to guide you toward sustainable relief and improved quality of life.
Need help managing your pain?
Book in with one of our chiropractors, massage therapists, nutritionists or counsellors today. Let’s work together to get to the root of your pain and help future-proof your body.