Figure 3.

Conceptual diagram of the neuromatrix theory as a refinement of the gate-control theory. Itself visualized as an entity (like an incessant spinning sphere) comprising of the somatosensory (S), cognitive (C)and affective (A) domains, the neuromatrix receives inputs from areas of the brain governing sensation, emotions and cognitions; and in return, churns out a neurosignature (output) which activates various programs for pain recognition, motor response, emotional and stress reactions. (Adapted from Melzack, Evolution of the neuromatrix theory of pain. The Prithvi Raj Lecture: presented at the third World Congress of World Institute of Pain, Barcelona 2004. Pain Pract 2005;5:85-94.)