Melzack and Wall (Gate Control Theory)

Melzack and Wall's Gate Control Theory explains how the body perceives pain. According to this model, the spinal cord acts as a gate that can either allow or block pain signals from reaching the brain. When you experience pain, nerve signals travel to the spinal cord. However, other sensations, like rubbing a sore spot, can distract the "gate" and reduce the perception of pain. This means that both physical and psychological factors influence how we experience pain, emphasizing that pain is not just a direct response to injury but a complex process involving our nervous system.