The increase in normal touch sensory information helps inhibit pain fiber activity, therefore reducing pain perception.
Prior to gate control theory, scientists had other theories on pain.
These included:
Researchers have long observed that our thoughts,emotions, andexpectationscan influence our perception of pain.
Sandro Di Carlo Darsa / PhotoAlto / Getty Images
And if you are upset orfrightened, pain may seem more intense than it would if you were calm.
In other instances, pain messages are minimized or even prevented from reaching the brain at all.
This gating mechanism takes place in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord.
These are areas of gray matter in the posterior spinethat have a horn-like appearance.
One part of the dorsal horn that receives information is the transmission cells.
These cells carry information up thespinal cord to the brain.
The other is inhibitory interneurons that either halt or impede the transmission of sensory information.
These impacts were beyond what the pair expected.
Doctors often utilize the gate metaphor to help patients understand how and why pain can fluctuate so much.
Because touch increases large fiber activity, it has an inhibitory effect on pain signals.
The theory is even used to explain the benefits of dance and music for relieving labor pain.
There are several strategies you could use to do this.
Plus, not everyone is convinced that the gate control theory of pain is valid.
Some suggest that the theory contains flaws based on human biology.
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