This review summarizes recent findings on peripheral mechanisms underlying the
generation and inhibition of pain. The focus is on events occurring in peripheral injured
tissues that lead to the sensitization and excitation of primary afferent neurons, and on the
modulation of such mechanisms. Primary afferent neurons are of particular interest from a
therapeutic perspective because they are the initial generator of noxious impulses traveling
towards relay stations in the spinal cord and the brain. Thus, if one finds ways to inhibit the …