Physiology and pathophysiology of chronic pain (Part I)

Authors

Keywords:

pain, chronic pain, physiology

Abstract

Chronic pain affects a significant proportion of the population. It negatively affects wellbeing, quality of life and productivity. To improve the effective management of chronic pain it is essential to understand pain physiology. The aim of this review is to discuss the physiology of pain as a foundation for understanding chronic pain. It describes the current definition of pain and classification of pain. Pain processing and pathways are also explained with emphasis on modulation of pain and its crucial role in pain perception. It also highlights the importance of multidisciplinary pain management.

Author Biographies

AS Isa, Stellenbosch University

Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa and Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria

S Chetty, Stellenbosch University

Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

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Published

2021-11-24

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 6 (2021)

Section

Review Articles

License

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