Message From the Director: Perspectives on Pain Research

Message From the Director: Perspectives on Pain Research

NCCIH colleagues and I recently participated in the American Pain Society Scientific Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The meeting centered on the theme “Combating the Opioid Epidemic Through Innovations in the Treatment of Pain” and offered a valuable forum for sharing scientific findings and insights into the complexities of treating pain. Many NCCIH staff shared their expertise and were available to answer questions about our Center’s role in pain research. During my presentation, I focused on the importance of reconnecting the brain and the body in pain research. Over the past few decades, spectacular advances in neuroscience have greatly strengthened our understanding of chronic pain as a “disease of the brain.” Although neural mechanisms are undeniably important, it is also imperative that we continue efforts to understand the role played by peripheral tissues, especially for common musculoskeletal conditions such as low-back pain. Read the full message