Pain is a complex human experience that goes beyond being a purely physiological response to physical stimuli, as it is linked to psychological, social, and cultural factors that make its perception vary from one individual to another. With advances in artificial intelligence technologies, recent research has focused on developing systems capable of assessing pain by analyzing vital signs, facial expressions, and neural signals, with the aim of supporting clinical decision-making and improving patient management. These systems enable the provision of quantitative estimates of pain intensity, which helps standardize assessment and reduce reliance on patients’ self-reports, which may be inaccurate in some cases. However, such evaluations remain based on external indicators that reflect manifestations of pain rather than the essence of the human experience itself. Artificial intelligence lacks self-awareness and the ability to empathize, and it cannot comprehend the psychological suffering that often accompanies pain. The gap between technical measurement and human understanding becomes particularly evident in cases of chronic or psychological pain, where previous experiences and social support play a fundamental role in shaping the patient’s experience. Here, the physician’s role emerges as pivotal in interpreting technical data within a comprehensive human context. Accordingly, artificial intelligence can be viewed as a supportive tool that enhances the accuracy of pain assessment without replacing the human interaction that forms the foundation of healthcare. True understanding of pain requires the integration of scientific analysis and human empathy, underscoring the limitations of machines in the face of the complexity of human experience.