course hero what is the gate control theory of pain

by Ruthie Cronin Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago 7 min read

Gate control theory suggests that the spinal cord contains a neurological 'gate' that either blocks pain signals or allows them to continue on to the brain. This theory is often used to explain both phantom and chronic pain issues.

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What are some examples of the gate control theory?

Apr 11, 2021 · Ans: Gate control theory of pain and how it blocks pain of a patient: Gate control theory of pain states that pain is a function of the balance between the information into the spinal cord through large and small nerve fibres. Thus, non-pain inputs closes the gates to pain input, which prevents pain sensation from travelling to the central nervous system. Stimulation …

How does the gate control theory of pain work?

The body moderates levels of conscious pain through Gate control theory. This is a theory that describes the blocking of pain signals from nociceptors to the brain. Action potential in interneurons causes a release of the opioid, enkephalin. When diffused across synapses, this binds to receptors on both nociceptors and transmission cells.

What is the gate control theory?

The gate-control theory of pain perception is the idea that there is a gate in the spinal cord that can control whether or not pain signals are sent to the brain. This gate is opened or closed depending on the level of activity in the nervous system. For example, if you are touching a hot stove, the gate will be closed so that you do not feel pain.

What are the theories of pain?

Feb 07, 2019 · Answer: Gate theory of pain which states that signal encounter nerve gates at the level of the spinal cord need to pass through the gate to get to the brain. Various factors can help determine how the pain should be treated or processed before they can pass through. The nonpharmacological method of pain control can be deep breathing exercise, warm compress, …

What is the gate in the gate control theory of pain?

The gate control theory of pain asserts that non-painful input closes the nerve "gates" to painful input, which prevents pain sensation from traveling to the central nervous system.

What is the gate control theory in psychology?

Briefly, the gate control theory proposes that a mechanism in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord acts as a 'gate' that can inhibit or facilitate transmission of nerve impulses from the periphery to the brain.

What is gate theory in regards to pain manifestation?

Introduction. The gate control theory of pain developed by Melzack and Wall in 1965 [1] proposes that tiny neural networks distributed along the dorsal horn of the spinal cord are responsible for relieving the pain in a specific body location when an intense tactile stimulation is applied at the same place.Aug 19, 2015

What are the 3 pain control theories?

The four most influential theories of pain perception include the Specificity (or Labeled Line), Intensity, Pattern, and Gate Control Theories of Pain (Fig. 1). The Specificity Theory refers to the presence of dedicated pathways for each somatosensory modality.Oct 3, 2012

What is inhibition of pain?

In addition, a powerful inhibition of pain-related information occurs in the spinal cord. These inhibitory systems can be activated by brain stimulation, intracerebral microinjection of morphine, and peripheral nerve stimulation. Centrally acting analgesic drugs activate these inhibitory control systems.

What are the psychological factors that affect pain?

Other psychological variables that may affect the way you feel pain may include: 1 Your previous experiences 2 Your expectations and beliefs about pain 3 Anxiety 4 Depression 5 Your current environment and surroundings

What is the best way to control pain?

Scientists have many different theories about pain and the best ways to get control of your pain. One popular idea is called the pain gate control theory. The pain gate control theory states that "gates" allow certain stimuli to pass through neural pathways to your brain. Non-noxious stimuli, the ones that don't make ...

Why is pain so difficult to sense?

But pain can be tricky, because pain may be sensed by your brain when there is no actual emergency or potential harm to your body. The sensation of pain is complex, and other factors besides nerves sending signals to your brain may be at play.

How does an electrical stimulation wire help with pain?

This wire stimulates the nerve fibers directly, helping to decrease pain and improve the overall quality of life.

What is pain gate control theory?

The pain gate control theory is just that—a theory. And theories need to be tested and challenged with science. Since the feeling of pain is so subjective, testing it can be a challenge.

Is pain gate theory tested?

And theories need to be tested and challenged with science. Since the feeling of pain is so subjective, testing it can be a challenge. Some researchers have put the pain gate theory to the test be using electricity to stimulate various types of nerve fibers.

How do non-noxious stimuli affect the brain?

Non-noxious stimuli, the ones that don't make you feel pain, pass through the "pain gate" and then help close the gate so painful stimuli cannot reach your brain. Therefore, you may be able to decrease or eliminate pain that you are feeling by allowing only "safe" and non-noxious stimuli through the gate to your brain.

What are the emotions that can lead to pain?

All sorts of emotional states can lead to the gates to pain being more open. These include being anxious, worried, angry, and depressed. Having a lot of tension in the body is a common way of opening the pain gates.

How to close the gates of pain?

Feeling generally happy and optimistic has been found to help to close the gates to pain. Also, feeling relaxed in yourself seems to be a particularly useful way of closing the gates.