How control modulates pain
Currently, the umbrella term 'control' in the context of studies on pain subsumes very different entities. We offer a more systematic taxonomy of studies to better understand the role of control in the context of pain.
Control over pain can be integrated into a Bayesian pain model via modulation of expectations. We suggest that changes in mean values and precision are mechanisms through which control modulates pain perception.
Controllability is often confounded with predictability, attentional effects, and motor behavior, and thus experimental design is crucial.
We argue for better controlled neuroscientific studies. Control over pain affects neurocognitive mechanisms reflected in changes in activity in the anterior insula, middle frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, and sensory cortices.
https://www.cell.com/trends/cognitive-sciences/fulltext/S1364-6613(24)00257-2
