CMT CMT Pain Science & Patient Education

Question 1

According to the gate control theory of pain, manual therapy techniques may reduce pain by:

Accepted Answer

Activating large-diameter Aβ afferents that inhibit nociceptive transmission at the spinal cord level

Answer

Gate control theory proposes that mechanoreceptor input (Aβ fibers) can inhibit nociceptive signals (Aδ/C fibers) at the spinal dorsal horn 'gate.'

Question 2

Central sensitization is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Amplification of neural signaling within the central nervous system, causing hypersensitivity beyond the original injury

Answer

Central sensitization involves CNS neuroplastic changes that amplify pain signals, producing allodynia and hyperalgesia beyond the tissue injury.

Question 3

In pain neuroscience education (PNE), the primary goal of educating patients about pain is to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce pain catastrophizing by reconceptualizing pain as a protective brain output rather than a tissue damage signal

Answer

PNE reconceptualizes pain as a protective output of the brain rather than purely a signal of tissue damage, reducing fear-avoidance and catastrophizing.

Question 4

Allodynia is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Pain produced by a stimulus that would not normally be painful

Answer

Allodynia is pain in response to a normally non-painful stimulus (e.g., light touch causing pain), indicating sensitization of the pain system.

Question 5

The biopsychosocial model of pain recognizes that chronic pain is influenced by:

Accepted Answer

Biological factors, psychological factors (beliefs, mood), and social factors (work, relationships)

Answer

The biopsychosocial model integrates biological, psychological, and social factors as simultaneous and interacting contributors to the pain experience.

(CMT) Certified Manual Therapist Practice Test

(CMT) Certified Manual Therapist Practice Test

CMT CMT Pain Science & Patient Education