Pain as muse: How creative acts flourish in the shadow of struggle

Creative acts and pain involve complex sensory and emotional experiences, suggesting possible intersections among their neural network models, learning rules and executive functions (EFs). Identifying and characterizing these commonalities may clarify the potential of creativity as a therapeutic approach in pain management. However, challenges impede definitive conclusions; we introduce these challenges, derived from current research, and next, highlight several relevant components, including physiological mechanisms, neural network models, learning rules, and the benefits of a multilevel approach. We provide examples of how impairments in EFs may relate to pain sensitization in neurodevelopmental and clinical conditions, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders. After outlining these points, we propose solutions to each identified challenge. Finally, we present a framework for future research on the relationship between creativity and pain, offering guidance for therapeutic opportunities to manage chronic pain through creative acts.