Pain

Pain is an unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pain has both physical and emotional components. The physical part of pain results from nerve stimulation. Pain may be contained to a discrete area, as in an injury, or it can be more diffuse, as in disorders like fibromyalgia. Pain is mediated by specific nerve fibers that carry the pain impulses to the brain where their conscious appreciation may be modified by many factors.

People related to the topic: Pain

Bruce Compas, Ph.D.
Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Psychology and Human Development; Professor of Pediatrics; Director, Psycho-Oncology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Lynn S. Walker, Ph.D.
Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology; Director, Division of Adolescent Medicine and Behavioral Science

Kenneth A Wallston, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology in Nursing and Psychology, Emeritus

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