Abstract

Chronic pain is widely recognized not only for its physical discomfort but also for its detrimental effects on core cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and executive control. The perception and interpretation of pain depend heavily on cognitive processes, and recent studies suggest that pain and cognition share common neural mechanisms, indicating a bidirectional and integrated neurobiological interaction. This review consolidates neuroimaging findings demonstrating that chronic pain induces structural and functional alterations in key brain regions involved in cognitive regulation and resource allocation. This review further highlights the importance of early identification and therapeutic intervention for cognitive decline in individuals with chronic pain. In addition, it emphasizes the potential of cognitive neuroscience-based approaches informed by advanced neuroimaging techniques, including high-resolution imaging, multimodal integration imaging, and machine learning-driven predictive models. These insights underscore the critical role of neuroimaging in chronic pain management and in developing personalized diagnostic tools and cognitive intervention strategies.