Physiology and pathophysiology of chronic pain (Part I)

Abstract

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