Chronic Pain and the Brain: The Persistence of a Primitive Mechanism
Pain is one of the most primitive symptoms that exist in the natural world. It serves as a protective mechanism against external and internal aggressions. The chronification of pain perpetuates certain brain circuits that become established.
In this situation, the pain may be perpetuated even though the aggression that caused it has disappeared: ceases to become a symptom and becomes a disease per se.
An interesting review in the journalScience breaks down the different mechanisms of pain. Deciphering the different pain pathways will help specialists find specific therapies for the particular type of pain with the intention of alleviating pain and improving quality of life.
