1 Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China 
2 Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China

Abstract 

The concept of pain has remained a topic of long debate since its emergence in ancient times. The initial ideas of pain were formulated in both the East and the West before 1800. Since 1800, due to the development of experimental sciences, different theories of pain have emerged and become central topics of debate. However, the existing theories of pain may be appropriate for the interpretation of some aspects of pain, but are not yet comprehensive. The history of pain problems is as long as that of human beings; however, the understanding of pain mechanisms is still far from sufficient. Thus, intensive research is required. This historical review mainly focuses on the development of pain theories and the fundamental discoveries in this field. Other historical events associated with pain therapies and remedies are beyond the scope of this review.

Keywords

pain; theory; history

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