Science and the sources of pain — Science News, October 26, 1974
Chronic pain is a significant issue for many Americans. They resort to analgesics, sedatives, or tranquilizers. They also seek help from chiropractors, acupuncturists, or even miracle workers. Unfortunately, many do not find lasting relief...
The reason for this lack of effective pain management is that clinicians are still uncertain about the nature of pain and how to treat it. Chronic pain continues to perplex scientists, but recent advancements have revealed that its mechanisms are influenced by a complex interplay of factors. The nervous and immune systems, emotions, age, and sex all contribute to the experience of pain. This new understanding has spurred research into improved diagnostic methods and treatments.
For example, researchers have identified a potential biomarker for chronic pain—activity in the orbitofrontal cortex (SN: 5/22/23). This discovery suggests that it may be possible to monitor pain through brain activity. Additionally, a drug called suzetrigine, which works by blocking a sodium ion channel on pain-sensing cells, is currently being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (SN: 9/5/24).
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