I'm interested in the role of genetics in pain experience, it's interesting to see studies looking at the role of CYP2D6 in the amygdala, I look forward to more research in this area.
Just as interesting is the role of culture on pain experience. I believe I recall a study some years ago that showed differences in pain experience across different countries/cultures. Immigrants to a new culture continued to show response patterns consistent with culture of origin. Their offspring responded more like the new culture and more so over several generations. I wish I could recall the research but it's been a while. Pain, especially chronic pain (which is very different from acute pain) often presents very similarly to an anxiety disorder.