Chronic pain treatment on the horizon: 8 major scientific discoveries in this field

Thanks to recent discoveries, scientists are bringing a new perspective to pain, how it occurs, how it lasts, and how it can be treated. This year, they reviewed the most important discoveries in understanding and treating pain and highlighted the innovation and practical importance of these scientific studies, New Atlas writes.

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Scientists are investigating various aspects of pain, from its molecular basis to innovative treatment approaches. Each new study offers a unique perspective on pain, promising to improve its treatment and understanding. The following major discoveries for 2023 reflect the diversity and depth of this scientific research:

• The world’s most painful bite reveals the mechanisms of pain. The bullet ant, known for its painful sting, has become the focus of research. Scientists discovered that the toxin uniquely affects the sodium channels of our nerve cells, providing long-lasting pain signals. This fact is critical to the development of more effective pain treatments.
• Gene therapy has emerged as a non-opioid solution to pain. With the looming opioid crisis, scientists have turned to gene therapy to treat chronic pain. They effectively eliminate pain in animal models by targeting the NaV1.7 sodium channel with a virus containing a decoy peptide. This innovative approach could revolutionize the treatment of chronic pain without resorting to opioids.
• Cells behind chronic back pain discovered The identification of specific pain-related cells in degenerated intervertebral discs has been a significant advance. Researchers found these cells in people with chronic back pain but not in those without pain; This makes it a potential target for new treatments.
• Cell injection therapy for chronic back pain. A new treatment for those suffering from degenerative disc disease involves injecting special cells into damaged discs, thus encouraging the repair and growth of healthy tissue. This method has shown promising results in reducing pain and improving function in patients.
• Anticancer drug for the treatment of back pain. Originally an anti-cancer drug, Navitoclax has found a new use in treating lower back pain by destroying senescent cells responsible for inflammation and pain. This repurposing of an existing drug is an important step in treating pain with fewer side effects.
• Scrambler therapy has been used to relieve chronic pain. Scrambler therapy, which uses electrical stimulation to scramble pain signals, has been effective in significantly reducing chronic pain in many patients. This non-invasive therapy offers hope of long-term relief for many people.
• The role of vitamin B3 in preventing chronic pain. Researchers have found that vitamin B3 plays a critical role in preventing the transition from acute to chronic pain. Taking vitamin B3 has been shown in research to help prevent chronic pain, offering a simple but potentially effective treatment option.
• Breaking the link between pain and poor sleep. Scientists have finally found a neurotransmitter that can break the vicious cycle of pain and poor sleep. By increasing their levels in the brain, they were able to reduce the perception of pain, a potential solution for those suffering from chronic pain and sleep problems.

These discoveries not only deepen our understanding of pain, but also open the door to new and more effective treatments for pain. With further research, scientists hope to translate these discoveries into real solutions that will provide relief to millions of suffering people.

Previously Focus He wrote about the 7 main scientific discoveries of 2023. Every day, science strives to make our lives more comfortable, safe and productive. 2023 is a big year for discoveries that could change our lives forever.

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