An Integrative Neuroscience Framework for the Treatment of Chronic Pain: From Cellular Alterations to Behavior Greenwald & Shafritz (2018)

PSY 136 Articles

What is the cause of pain hypersensitization in the peripheral nervous system, in general terms?

A condition where receptors are more sensitized, leading to an increase in receptors on the post-synaptic membrane, making them more sensitive to binding ligands.

What is catastrophization and what is its relationship to classical conditioning?

Belief that pain symptoms are worse than they actually are, often leading to increased anxiety, fear, and pain perception. It can be influenced by classical conditioning, where pain-related fear can be acquired through Pavlovian fear conditioning.

Which cortical network is involved in the perception and integration of acute pain signals?

Salience Network

The dysregulation of which cortical network is associated with the development of chronic pain?

DMN

Can the PAG-RVM system in the brainstem be controlled by cortical networks?

Yes.

What is CRPS?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, chronic pain characterized by swelling and temperature changes

Pain sensation and perception are remarkably malleable. Is it related to cortical reorganization?

No.

What simple technique can be used to normalize dysregulation within the DMN?

Mindfulness meditation

In one study, back pain was classified as “acute” if it lasted less than 3 months and “chronic” otherwise. Which cortical network showed increased activation in each of the two groups? Based on these data, is correct to say that with time pain may get incorporated into your model of reality (i.e., it becomes you)?

Salience Network, and yes, chronic pain can become part of one’s identity once it moves into the DMN.