Noxious stimuli activate the endings of nociceptive C and A delta nerve fibers, which carry the signal to neurons in the dorsal horn of spinal cord.
DNIC refers to the mechanism by which dorsal horn wide dynamic range neurons responsive to stimulation from one location of the body may be inhibited by noxious stimuli (such as heat, high pressure or electric stimulation) applied to another, remote location in the body.
[2] Studies investigating gender differences in DNIC have shown mixed results with the effect dependent upon experimental methodology and measurement method.
On the other hand, greater DNIC response is related to less pain, better physical functioning, and better self-rated health.
[7] Diabetic neuropathy patients with low DNIC are more likely to benefit from treatment with duloxetine and tapentadol,[8][9] which are considered to restore altered descending modulation.