According to Gate Control Theory, what effect can pressure have on pain signals?

• A. Pain signals can be amplified by pressure
• B. Pain signals are unaffected by touch
• C. Pain signals can be blocked by applying pressure
• D. Pain signals only respond to heat

Answer: (C)

Non-painful input such as pressure can reduce pain by closing the neural gate at the spinal level, limiting transmission of pain signals to the brain. Gate Control Theory explains that the dorsal horn acts like a gate that modulates how much nociceptive information gets through. When pressure activates larger-diameter A-beta fibers from touch or pressure, these signals stimulate inhibitory interneurons, which dampen the activity of the smaller pain fibers. As a result, fewer pain signals reach the brain, so the perceived pain is diminished. This is why rubbing or pressing a painful area often provides relief. The idea isn’t that pressure creates more pain or leaves pain unchanged; it actively reduces it by modulating spinal transmission.