What theory explains the type of pain experienced by the woman described in the scenario?

Integumentary and musculoskeletal system case study

The theory that best explains the type of pain experienced by the woman described in the scenario is the gate control theory of pain. This suggests that pain signals can be altered/blocked by certain nerve pathways, or “gates,” which are activated and deactivated depending on various factors such as environmental stimuli or emotional states etc.

This would explain why the woman was able to feel less discomfort while distracted by her friends’ conversation as her brain initiated a “gate closing” process due to this external stimulus thus preventing some of the pain signals from reaching her conscious awareness. It also highlights how our perception of pain can be shaped by numerous influences and doesn’t always depend solely on physical damage present in one’s body.