The Physiology of the Acute Pain Pathway

A look into the physiology and biomedical science is a crucial starting point when investigating a topic. It is essential for a physician to have a thorough understanding of the basic mechanisms of acute pain physiology to make diagnoses, guide treatments, and follow outcomes. This article reviews the physiology of acute pain with a clinical emphasis on “attack points” of the pathway where interventions may best be warranted. It also highlights differences in acute pain based on the anatomy and mechanism of the tissue injury. The multimodal pain management approach is also introduced to emphasis clinical treatment options.