Question

1. You hit your head on the cabinet while getting something out of it, and begin to rub your head on the area where you hit it. The authors state that this behavior is “unsurprising” (Kirkpatrick, et al., 2015) in the context of gate control theory. What is the gate control theory and why might rubbing the area help with pain modulation according to this theory?

2. Chronic pain is particularly difficult to treat; until recently many patients with chronic pain were treated with opioid pain medications. Using the article, and other sources as needed, explain why use of opioid pain medications may not be a good first choice for chronic pain, such as low back pain.

3. Exercise is widely recognized as an effective therapy for pain. Using what you know about the effect of exercise on the brain, and information in the article, hypothesize the mechanism for pain modulation in exercise. Use and cite additional resources if needed.

Answer 1

1 -The Gate Control theory of pain asserts that non-painful input closes the nerve " gates " to painful input,which prevents pain sensation from travelling to the central nervous system.The gate control theory of pain describes how non painful sensations can override and reduse painful sensations.

The gate control theory suggests that the signals encounter 'nerve gates' at the level of the spinal cord and they need to get cleared through these gates to reach brain.Various factors determine how the pain signals should be treated at the neourological gates. They are intensity of the pain signals .The hypothesis that the subjective experience of pain is modulated by large nerve fibers in the spinal cord that act as gates ,such that pain is not the product of a simple transmission of stimulation from the skin or some internal organ to the brain.

Gate control theory asserts tbhat activation of nerves which do not transmit pain signals called nonnoceceptive fibers ,can interfere with signals from pain fibers ,therby inhibiting pain .Large diameter Alphabbeta fibers are nonnicicepetive ( do not transmit pain stimuli ) and inhibit the effects of firing by A and C fibers.

2 - Opioids should not be the first line or routine therapy for chronic pain as they present serious risks ,including overdose and opioid use disorder.There are many non opiod treatments avilable for pain ,including prescription and over the counter aspirin ,ibuprofen and acetaminiphen ,non drug remedies such as massages and acupuncture and high tech treatments using radoi waves and electrical signals.

3- Regular physical activity and excersise reduces excitability of central neurons measured by phosphorylation of the NR 1 submit of the NMDA receptor alters neuroimmune signaling in the central nervous system and increase release of endogenous opioids and serotonin in the brainstem pain inhibitory pathways.Excersise can ease pain long terem by improving muscle tone ,strength and flexibilty .Excersise may also cause a release of endorphins,the body's natural painkillers.Some excersise are easier for certain chronic pain suffers to do than others.Excersise is a common treatment for chronic pain .Depending on the current state of health ,it may help decrease inflammation ,increase mobility and decrease overall pain levels no additional medication required.