The physiology of pain.

: To manage pain effectively, clinicians need to have an understanding of the processes involved in the facilitation of pain transmission from the site of injury to the CNS and processes that augment or inhibit that transmission. Significant advances in our under-standing of the complex and integrated communication system involved in pain transmission have supported the use of a veritable armory of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to reduce the individuals' perception of pain. Comprehensive assessment and reassessment of pain remains the single most important determinant in good pain management. Through an integration of the fundamental knowledge regarding the physiology of pain transmission and the skills required for assessment of the multidimensional nature of an individual's pain, the nurse plays a central role in ensuring timely and effective strategies are employed for optimal pain management.