What is Chronic Pain?
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as, “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage.” Chronic pain can be described as persistent pain for greater than three to six months.
Almost 1.5 billion people globally suffer from chronic pain. That is one out of every five people on Earth.
In the US, 19.6 million people suffer from chronic pain that frequently limits their life or work.
Most Common Forms of Chronic Pain
Musculoskeletal Pain
- Chronic low back pain
- Chronic neck pain
- Arthritis pain
Functional Pain Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic migraine
- Chronic pelvic pain
Neuropathic Pain
- Numbness
- Feelings of pins and needles
- Stabbing pain
Other Types of Chronic Pain
- Chronic pain after surgery
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Pain associated with cancer
Long-term Consequences of Chronic Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Impaired memory
- Impaired sleep
- Decrease in overall quality of life
Problems with the Way We Treat Pain
Treating chronic pain with opioids is problematic. While they are useful for treating acute pain, there is little evidence that they are effective for chronic pain management. Additionally, prolonged opioid use can lead to tolerance, dependency, and even increased pain.
The lack of an alternative therapeutic for chronic pain, along with over prescription of opioids, led to the current opioid crisis. In 2018, it was estimated that over 130 people died everyday due to opioid related drug overdoses.
Our Goal to Treat Chronic Pain
Using molecular profiling of human tissues, along with preclinical techniques, we strive to discover the underlying mechanisms of pain. Our diverse team of scientists are focused on discovering novel targets for the treatment of chronic pain. Through innovations in basic science research, our goal is to develop new therapeutics and create partnerships that bring those discoveries into the clinic.
Our Recent Discoveries
Pain’s Origins May Be Significantly Different in Males and Females
New research from The University of Texas at Dallas supports the growing consensus that pain begins differently for men and women at the cellular level.
Scientists Target Link Between Chronic Pain, Cognitive Impairments
Chronic pain patients often suffer from impaired cognitive function as a side effect of their pain. That degradation isn’t addressed by pain-relief medications, some of which can even make the deficit worse.