The physiology of pain mechanisms: from the periphery to the brain.
This article introduces the scientific basis for the understanding of pain mechanisms and highlights the importance of endogenous excitatory and inhibitory controls in the central nervous system. These innate control systems have an impact on the evolution of chronic pain and may be manipulated to alter the pain process, and therefore have implications regarding treatment. Understanding neurophysiologic mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of pain can help the clinician to devise a more effective treatment plan guided by pathophysiologic dysfunction. Keeping in mind the heterogeneity of the pain response and the unique characteristics of an individual patient will lead to better patient care.
Marchand
Serge
S
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Sherbrooke, Axe Douleur CRC-CHUS, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada.
D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000502:physiology*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012307:Risk Factors
D000700:Analgesics