The understanding of pain has evolved from early mystical-religious interpretations to complex scientific theories. Ancient philosophers and physicians began to view pain from a medical perspective. In the 17th–19th centuries, medical advancements led to new analgesics and anesthetics. Various theories emerged: from Descartes’ linear model, through the specificity and intensity theory, to the groundbreaking gate-control theory by Melzack and Wall in 1965. This was the first to integrate psychological factors into pain processing. Later approaches, such as the neuromatrix theory and the bio-psycho-social model, emphasized the multidimensionality of pain. Behavioral therapeutic and cognitive methods gained importance. Today, pain is understood as a complex interplay of physical, emotional, and social factors. The integration of this holistic view into research and practice remains a central challenge for future pain therapies.