Theories of pain: from specificity to gate control

J Neurophysiol. 2013 Jan;109(1):5-12. doi: 10.1152/jn.00457.2012. Epub 2012 Oct 3.

Abstract

Several theoretical frameworks have been proposed to explain the physiological basis of pain, although none yet completely accounts for all aspects of pain perception. Here, we provide a historical overview of the major contributions, ideas, and competing theories of pain from ancient civilizations to Melzack and Wall's Gate Control Theory of Pain.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • History, 17th Century
  • History, 18th Century
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Pain / history
  • Pain / physiopathology*
  • Pain Perception / physiology*
  • Sensory Gating / physiology*