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Central neuroplasticity and pathological pain.

R Melzack¹, T J Coderre, J Katz

¹Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

|May 10, 2002

Summary

Pain perception is more complex than previously thought, involving central nervous system sensitization. Past experiences significantly influence how the brain processes pain signals, impacting treatment strategies.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Pain Research
Physiology

Background:

Traditional pain theories propose direct sensory input to the brain proportional to injury.
Emerging evidence suggests complex central neural mechanisms in pain perception.

Purpose of the Study:

To review evidence for central sensitization in pain perception.
To highlight the influence of past experiences on pain processing.
To underscore the need for improved pain management strategies.

Main Methods:

Review of clinical and experimental evidence on pain perception.
Analysis of phenomena like phantom limb pain and preemptive analgesia.
Examination of central nervous system (CNS) changes such as sensitization and wind-up.

Main Results:

Noxious stimuli can sensitize central neural structures involved in pain.
Clinical examples include phantom limb pain and effective preemptive analgesia.
Experimental data show sensitization, wind-up, and expanded receptive fields in CNS neurons.

Conclusions:

Pain perception is a dynamic process influenced by prior sensory inputs and 'memory'.
Central changes induced by peripheral injury require further understanding for better pain relief.
Improved understanding can lead to novel treatments for pathological pain.