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Specificity Theory
Pain research has been long dominated by Specificity Theory (Baum et al 1983, Horn
& Munafo 1997). The Specificity Theory of Pain describes the traditional
understanding of pain. This theory proposed that a specific system of nerves carry
messages from pain receptors in the skin to a pain centre in the brain and that the
intensity of the pain is correlated to the amount of tissue damage (Banyard 1996,
Melzack & Wall 1996, Curtis 2000, Melzack 2001). However examples of injury
without pain, and pain without injury, show that there is not a direct connection
between stimulation and pain, therefore showing weaknesses in the specificity theory.
Pattern Theory
no separate systems for perceiving pain but instead the nerves are
again, there are examples of pain without injury (stimulation) and so this
between the pain experienced due to tissue damage and pain without
The Gate Control Theory model is biologically complex and the description
pain signals to the brain and open the 'gate'. Activity in sensory nerves
pain perceived.) Also the Gate Control Theory sees pain as an active
pain is a two-way flow of information to and from the brain, and that the
brain not only processes the information but also directly affects the
Conditions that open the 'Gate' Conditions that close the 'Gate'
Physical Physical
Emotional Emotional
Mental Mental