Pain Neurobiology

Pain neurobiology explains how the nervous system detects and processes injury or danger signals. When tissue is damaged or threatened, specialized nerve fibers send signals to the spinal cord and brain, alerting us to harm. The brain then interprets these signals as pain, prompting protective actions. Importantly, pain isn't solely about tissue damage; it can be influenced by emotions, thoughts, and past experiences. The nervous system can also become more sensitive, amplifying pain even without ongoing injury. Understanding this helps manage pain more effectively by addressing both physical factors and the brain's processing.