[4] Meta-analysis research using fMRI on the various modes of meditation has shown activation in the pre-motor cortex, basal ganglia, and insular cortex- regions associated with the reward pathways of the brain as well as motor control.
[2] Activation of the precentral gyrus, midbrain, inferior parietal lobule, precuneus, and hippocampus have also been correlated with meditation using PET scans and single photon emission computed tomography.
[3] After treatment, chronic lower back patients showed increased thickness in the PFC which decreased pain perception and physical disability.
[1] The resulting findings showed a reduction in pain perception, which is consistent in studies where researchers found deactivation of the thalamus in experienced meditators.
[3] A study using event-related potentials (ERP) showed that the meditation group exhibited decreased activation in the SI and posterior insula compared to a healthy control, which led to a reduction in pain perception.