The physiologic process of pain describes how the brain is alerted to painful stimuli and how it can modify and adjust the amount of pain that is felt in the body. The central nervous system can also determine which pain signals are allowed through to the brain.

Pain can be classified and described in many different ways. The duration, location, and cause are all important factors when assessing and treating pain.

brain — alerted to painful stimuli and how it can modify and adjust the amount of pain that is felt in the body. nociception — the process by which painful stimuli are detected by nociceptors and send the pain signals from the peripheral nervous system to the brain. first line therapy — medical treatment that is recommended as the best option for the initial treatment of a disease or medical condition. transmission of pain — the second step of the pain process when the pain signal is sent from the peripheral to the central nervous system.