pain measurement theories

Pain measurement theories seek to understand how we perceive and report pain. The **biomedical model** views pain as a direct result of tissue damage and uses scales like numerical rating or visual analog scales to quantify it. The **neuromatrix theory** suggests pain is generated by the brain's neural network, influenced by emotional and psychological factors, meaning pain isn’t always proportional to tissue injury. The **gate control theory** proposes that the brain's "gate" can amplify or block pain signals, explaining why factors like stress or distraction can alter pain perception. These theories help clinicians assess and address pain effectively.