A Theory Of Pain
The mechanism by which pain is felt is not fully understood. One widely accepted theory is called Gate Control.
This theory is useful but it is recognized as being only part of the story.
1. Gate Control Theory of Pain
Gate Control Theory says that there are bundles of nerve fibers along the nerve pathway that must be open to
allow the pain sensation to travel to the brain. These are the gates. The theory is that if there is a sufficient
stimulus the gate closes, preventing further sensations passing through. The theory has never been convincingly
proved but nevertheless some aspects of it are helpful.
Gain control may account for the way in which pain can be relieved by rubbing or other stimuli such as acupuncture
or massage. These measures act as counter irritants that occupy the nerve pathways so that they are not open to the
pain sensation.
2. Loesser’s 'Onion' Theory of Pain
A more recent theory is Loesser’s 'Onion' theory. This says that the pain mechanism is a series
of nested layers, rather like an onion. The nerve stimulus or damage is at the centre, the next layer is the
perception of pain, then come suffering, pain behavior, and finally interaction with the environment.

These last two layers; pain behavior and interaction with the environment, are the only factors
able to be clinically observed. The currently accepted model of pain theory is an amalgamation of the 'Onion' and
the 'Gate Control' theories. Current pain theory likens the pathway of pain to the brain to a set of 3 or more
stereo amplifiers representing:
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the spinal cord
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the brain
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the body part that hurts
Between each 'amplifier' or group of nerve fibers, pain can be blocked or its transmission
allowed. Normally the brain perceives pain when a painful stimulus is applied. But due to the interaction between
psychological and environmental factors this is not always the case.
These factors are a normal but variable part of our sensory and emotional experiences. The idea of pain as purely
psychological or purely physical is invalid. All pain is a mixture of these factors.
Treatment Options Based On Pain Theory
Because the sensation of pain and suffering is influenced by all the above factors, treatment
must take account of them. Medication, if prescribed, is only a part of the treatment.
We should use all the tools in the pain control toolbox. These include medical remedies prescribed for us by our
doctors, as well as complementary therapies designed to block pain from reaching the brain, or to change our
perception and of course our suffering. These complementary treatments all work with any medical treatments your
doctor prescribes.
Your healing treatment has already started because studies show that merely understanding the
cause of pain reduces it.
Now you can see how the mind influences pain and why mind body therapies are an important part of any chronic pain
control plan. It all goes back to pain theory and how pain is initiated in and perceived by the brain. More...
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