A review of descending pain modulation in humans - Takeaways - MDSpire

A review of descending pain modulation in humans

  • By

  • Christopher D’Souza

  • Eden Brander-Whittingham

  • Shima Hassanpour

  • Brieana Keast

  • Jessica Merletti

  • Matthew Kong

  • Hannan Algitami

  • Patrick Stroman

  • June 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Descending pain modulation involves a balance between nociceptive and anti-nociceptive pathways that influence pain perception.

  • 2

    The periaqueductal grey and rostral medulla are identified as central hubs in the descending pain modulation process.

  • 3

    Cognitive and emotional factors, such as distraction and anxiety, can modulate descending pain pathways through altered brain connectivity.

  • 4

    Therapeutic applications like transcranial direct current stimulation and spinal cord stimulation affect descending pain modulation circuits.

  • 5

    The review highlights the need for further research in human populations to clarify the mechanisms of descending pain modulation.

Original Source(s)

A review of descending pain modulation in humans

  • by Christopher D’Souza, Eden Brander-Whittingham, Shima Hassanpour, Brieana Keast, Jessica Merletti, Matthew Kong, Hannan Algitami, Patrick Stroman

  • June 4, 2026

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