中国P站

Abstract

Pain is a complex and multidimensional experience influenced by physiological, psychological, and environmental factors. A critical distinction in pain science lies between peripheral and central pain mechanisms, each with unique pathophysiological features and treatment needs. Peripheral pain originates from tissue injury or inflammation and is mediated by nociceptors, while central pain involves alterations in pain processing within the central nervous system (CNS), including central sensitization, neural plasticity, and dysfunctional pain modulation pathways. Understanding this distinction is crucial for selecting appropriate pharmacological interventions, as traditional analgesics often target peripheral pathways, while more complex or chronic pain states require agents that modulate central sensitization and neural signaling. This article provides an in-depth exploration of peripheral and central pain mechanisms, examines the pharmacological agents targeting each system, and discusses clinical implications for personalized and effective pain management.