This chapter introduces core concepts in pain science, including definitions, basic mechanisms and key distinctions used in clinical practice.
1. Introduction to Pain
1.1 What Is Pain? Definitions and Concepts. Overview of the IASP definition of pain, the difference between pain and nociception, and the biopsychosocial model.
1.2 Acute vs. Chronic Pain. Differences in mechanisms, clinical significance and implications for treatment.
1.3 Evolutionary Purpose of Pain
1.4 Epidemiology of Chronic Pain
1.5 Common Misconceptions About Pain
2. How Pain Works
Short explanation of nociception, peripheral and central pathways, and pain modulation systems.
3. Types of Pain
3.1 Nociceptive Pain
3.2 Neuropathic Pain
3.3 Nociplastic Pain
3.4 Mixed Pain States
3.5 Headache & Migraine
3.6 Back and Neck Pain
3.7 Joint and Musculoskeletal Pain
3.8 Visceral Pain (Pelvic, Abdominal)
3.9 Cancer Pain
3.10 Postsurgical and Post-traumatic Pain
3.11 Rare Pain Syndromes (CRPS, Trigeminal Neuralgia)
4. Pain Assessment
4.1 How to Take a Clinical Pain History
4.2 Physical Examination in Pain
4.3 Validated Assessment Scales
4.4 Neuropathic Pain Screening Tools
4.5 Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST)
4.6 Imaging & Labs: When Are They Useful?
4.7 Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs)