Chronic pain is a major problem in the United States, affecting more than 100 million adults. It’s expensive, too, costing our economy an estimated $560 to $635 billion each year in medical treatment and lost productivity.
Despite its prevalence, there’s still a lot we don’t understand about chronic pain, and treating it can be tricky. However, recent research has shed new light on the role of the nervous system in chronic pain, and this knowledge is helping to develop new approaches to treatment.
One promising area of research involves targeting a specific type of nerve cell known to play a role in pain. These cells, called nociceptors, are responsible for transmitting information about potential tissue damage to the brain. By targeting nociceptors with drugs or other interventions, researchers hope to disrupt the signals that cause chronic pain. This approach is still in its early stages, but it shows promise for providing relief to people who suffer from chronic pain. With further research, we may eventually be able to put the brakes on pain.