PAIN-TRANSMISSION

SUMMARY

1. Aβ fibers (large, myelinated, and fast; 30-100 m/s) carry innocuous stimuli (touch, vibration, and pressure).

2. With peripheral and central neuroplastic changes in Aβ fibers, innocuous stimuli might be perceived as painful, resulting in allodynia.

3. Hyperpathia: Aδ (delta) nociceptors become sensitized to noxious stimuli.

4. 'Silent' group C fibers in the skin, joints and viscera become sensitized with inflammation via activation of second-messenger systems.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.