Baroreflex in Pain Regulation: Pathogenic Mechanism and Clinical Application

The baroreceptor reflex is an essential mechanism for the autonomic nervous system in cardiovascular homeostasis and is closely related to pain regulation. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is an indicator for quantitative evaluation of baroreflex reflex function. Pain sensitivity is negatively correlated with BRS, therefore, BRS has potential application prospects in pain risk prediction and therapeutic efficacy assessment. Vagus nerve stimulation, capable of activating the baroreceptor reflex, has been widely used in acute or chronic pain patients in recent years. This article reviews the mechanism and clinical application progress of the baroreceptor reflex in pain regulation, with the hope of providing reference for further exploring treatment to regulate baroreceptor reflex function in pain treatment.