Neural basis of affective touch and pain: A novel model suggests possible targets for pain amelioration

Larissa L. Meijer*, Carla Ruis, Maarten J. van der Smagt, Erik J.A. Scherder, H. Chris Dijkerman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Pain is one of the most common health problems and has a severe impact on quality of life. Yet, a suitable and efficient treatment is still not available for all patient populations suffering from pain. Interestingly, recent research shows that low threshold mechanosensory C-tactile (CT) fibres have a modulatory influence on pain. CT-fibres are activated by slow gentle stroking of the hairy skin, providing a pleasant sensation. Consequently, slow gentle stroking is known as affective touch. Currently, a clear overview of the way affective touch modulates pain, at a neural level, is missing. This review aims to present such an overview. To explain the interaction between affective touch and pain, first the neural basis of the affective touch system and the neural processing of pain will be described. To clarify these systems, a schematic illustration will be provided in every section. Hereafter, a novel model of interactions between affective touch and pain systems will be introduced. Finally, since affective touch might be suitable as a new treatment for chronic pain, possible clinical implications will be discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)38-53
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Neuropsychology
Volume16
Issue number1
Early online date12 May 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2022

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This research was supported by Stichting Parkinsonfonds (Netherlands).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Neuropsychology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Psychological Society

Keywords

  • affective touch
  • chronic pain
  • CT-afferents
  • pain

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