Pain Models and Theories - Rocky Vista University (Asynchronous Lecture 1.1)

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and theories from the pain models lecture.

Pain (IASP definition)

An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage.

Hyperalgesia

Increased sensitivity to pain.

Allodynia

Pain response to stimuli that would not normally provoke pain.

Referred Pain

Pain perceived away from the injured or affected tissue.

Acute Pain

Pain tied to tissue damage; protective, usually short in duration with a defined etiology and often localized.

Persistent (Chronic) Pain

Pain lasting longer than expected for a condition; often without protective biological purpose and associated with stronger emotional reactions.

Transient Pain

Pain elicited by activation of nociceptive tissues in the absence of tissue damage; resolves without treatment.

Specificity Theory

Each sensation has separate, specific nerve endings and pathways; problems include phenomena like phantom limb pain and allodynia.

Pattern Theory

Pain is learned through patterned inputs; does not require a specific pain channel; implies centralized processing may be more important.

A-delta Fibers

Small, myelinated nociceptors that respond to intense mechanical stimulation and heat/cold; yield sharp, short-duration pain; 4–30 m/s; ~20% of pain afferents; not easily blocked by opioids.

C Afferent Fibers

Small, unmyelinated nociceptors with longer-lasting, dull/aching pain; 0.5–2 m/s; ~80% of pain afferents; can be blocked by opioids.

A-alpha Fibers

Large-diameter fibers responsible for proprioception; non-painful.

A-beta Fibers

Large-diameter fibers conveying non-painful sensations (vibration, stretching, pressure).

Nociceptors

Small-diameter nerve endings (C and A-delta) that detect potentially harmful stimuli.

Non-nociceptors

Large-diameter fibers (A-alpha, A-beta, and gamma) that convey non-painful sensory information.

Substantia Gelatinosa (SG)

A region in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord where nociceptive input is modulated.

Transmission Cells

Spinal dorsal horn neurons that transmit pain signals toward the brain.

Dorsal Horn

Part of the spinal cord where modulation of pain signals occurs (gate mechanism).

Gate Control Theory

Theory that non-painful input can inhibit pain transmission by modulating signals at the dorsal horn, creating a ‘gate’ for pain signals.

Noxious Stimulus

A painful or potentially damaging stimulus that activates nociceptors.

Distraction Stimulus

Non-painful input used to distract and reduce the perception of pain by engaging non-nociceptive pathways.

Biopsychosocial Model

Pain is influenced by physical injury, psychological state (mood, thoughts, sleep), and social factors (relationships, finances, culture); explains persistent pain and broader influences.

Peripheral Sensitization

Increased sensitivity of peripheral nerves to stimuli, often due to inflammation or injury.

Central Sensitization

Increased excitability of neurons within the central nervous system, amplifying pain even after the initial injury heals.

Neuromatrix

A distributed neural network in the brain that generates the experience of pain through widespread connections, not just tissue state.

Neuromatrix Model

Pain arises from multiple brain networks; pain experience involves many brain regions and pathways.

Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE)

Educating patients about the neuroscience of pain to change understanding, beliefs, and pain experience.

Motivational Interviewing

A collaborative communication approach to elicit and strengthen motivation for change and adherence to pain management plans.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Therapeutic approach addressing thoughts, behaviors, and emotions to reduce the impact of pain.

Aerobic Exercise

Physical activity recommended as part of pain management to improve function and mood.

Sleep Hygiene

Practices that promote quality sleep, which can influence pain perception and recovery.

Goal Setting

Establishing specific, measurable, achievable goals as part of a pain management plan.

Why Traditional Models Fail

They often equate pain with tissue state and overlook central processing, leading to ineffective interventions.