So, this lecture should have convinced you that the perceptual model of pain is much more useful in terms of its explanatory power than are neuro-physiological models. Even if you take endorphins and other endogenous opioids into account, these models fall far short of explaining most of the phenomena associated with pain.

Because of this, a broader approach to pain control is needed and a wide range of techniques already exist and have evidence of effectiveness, though most are seldom used, and many are not even recognized by staff who are trained to care for patients with acute and chronic pain.

Clearly, more needs to be done to change this. You are one person who can make a difference. Change begins with you.