ASPECTS OF PAIN

Pain is a somatic sensation with many properties in common with other somatic sensations. However, pain has some unique aspects, among which are the following:

1. Wide variety of adequate stimuli (Modality)
2. Subject to sensitization and self-reinforcement
3. Referred pain localization errors (and other Localization errors)
4. Modulation or gating (decrease Intensity)
5. Sensitization (increase Intensity)
6. Reflexes (withdrawal, etc.)
7. Other sensory aspects: alerting, Affect, memory, autonomic & endocrine integration
8. Emotional/psychological/behavioral
9. Effect on normal function (appetite, sleep, work, etc.)
10. Utility