Pain
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The decades since the inauguration of the International Association for the Study of Pain have witnessed major advances in scientific concepts (such as the biopsychosocial model and chronic primary pain as a disease in its own right) and in new technologies and approaches (from molecular biology to brain imaging) that have inspired innovations in pain research. These have guided progress in pain management and education about pain for healthcare professionals, the general public, and administrative agencies.
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Historical Article
International Association for the Study of Pain publications over the 50-year span.
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) has a 50-year history of publishing educational and research materials, ranging from traditional print format books, journals, and other informational formats to online and electronic formats. Here we provide a historical overview of IASP publications and reflections from the perspective of 5 former or current Editors-in-Chief.
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There is an ongoing debate about whether pain can be classically conditioned, but surprisingly, evidence is scarce. Here, we report 3 experiments investigating this idea. In a virtual reality task, healthy participants were approached and touched near or on their hand with a coloured pen (blue or yellow). ⋯ There was no evidence for conditioned pain in experiment 1, but there was some evidence in experiments 2 and 3. Our findings indicate that conditioned pain may exist, albeit most likely in rare cases or under specific situations. More research is needed to understand the specific conditions under which conditioned pain exists and the underlying processes (eg, response bias).
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This article summarizes the many initiatives and achievements of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) in pain education worldwide since 1973. These range from major events such as the World Congress on Pain that attracts thousands of attendees to the more intimate and focused Pain Schools and Pain Camps. ⋯ The unique contribution of IASP to the study of pain is reflected in its consistent focus on a biopsychosocial approach to pain, the promotion of interactions between basic scientists and clinicians, as well as multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaborations. Details of these rich offerings can be found on the IASP web site, and this article provides a guide for those seeking to access them.
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Historical Article
Introduction and a brief historical overview of the International Association for the Study of Pain.
The mission of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) is "to bring together scientists, clinicians, healthcare providers, and policymakers to stimulate and support the study of pain and to translate that knowledge into improved pain relief worldwide." The IASP will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, and the series of articles published in this special issue of its flagship journal PAIN highlights the IASP's achievements over the past 5 decades. This article provides a brief historical overview of the IASP's 50-year journey, including the key "players," events, and initiatives leading to its formation and contributing to its progress. It complements the other articles outlining the contributions that the IASP has made and likely will continue to make to advances in pain education, research, management and advocacy, and its value to the IASP members.