Scribd
Upload
20 views2 pages

The Gate Control Theory of Pain

The Gate Control Theory of Pain, proposed by Melzack and Wall in 1965, explains that non-painful stimuli can inhibit pain perception by activating large nerve fibers that close a 'gate' in the spinal cord. This theory highlights the interaction between A-delta/C fibers (pain signals) and A-beta fibers (non-painful stimuli) in modulating pain. It has significantly influenced pain management practices and laid the groundwork for modern neuromodulation therapies.

Uploaded by

Ajas Km
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
20 views2 pages

The Gate Control Theory of Pain

The Gate Control Theory of Pain, proposed by Melzack and Wall in 1965, explains that non-painful stimuli can inhibit pain perception by activating large nerve fibers that close a 'gate' in the spinal cord. This theory highlights the interaction between A-delta/C fibers (pain signals) and A-beta fibers (non-painful stimuli) in modulating pain. It has significantly influenced pain management practices and laid the groundwork for modern neuromodulation therapies.

Uploaded by

Ajas Km
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

The Gate Control Theory of Pain, proposed by Melzack and Wall in 1965, explains how

non-painful stimuli can inhibit the perception of pain by "closing a gate" in the spinal
cord.

🔹 Core Idea of Gate Control Theory

 Pain signals travel via small nerve fibers (A-delta and C fibers) to the spinal cord.
 Non-painful stimuli, like touch or pressure, travel via large nerve fibers (A-beta
fibers).
 These inputs converge at the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (particularly the
substantia gelatinosa in the lamina II of the gray matter).
 When A-beta fibers are activated (e.g., by rubbing the skin), they stimulate inhibitory
interneurons that "close the gate" to the pain signal from A-delta and C fibers.
 This reduces the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

🔸 Summary Table

Fiber Type Stimulus Effect on Gate Perceived Pain


A-delta / C Pain (noxious stimuli) Opens gate Pain felt
A-beta Touch, vibration Closes gate Pain reduced

🔹 Clinical Examples

 Rubbing an injury (e.g., after hitting your elbow) → activates A-beta fibers →
reduces pain.
 Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) → uses electrical
stimulation to activate A-beta fibers → reduces chronic pain.
 Massage, acupuncture, heat/cold therapy → stimulate non-nociceptive fibers to
modulate pain.

🔸 Relevance

 Helped revolutionize pain management.


 Introduced the idea that pain is not just a direct result of injury, but is also
influenced by sensory, emotional, and cognitive factors.
 Laid the foundation for modern neuromodulation therapies.

Would you like a visual diagram of how the gate control mechanism works in the spinal
cord?

You might also like