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BRAIN STUDY REVEALS KEY DIFFERENCES IN ACUTE AND CHRONIC PAIN PROCESSING
By Amelia Reynolds | JERUSALEM – 2025/06/20
Scientists have uncovered a critical difference in how the brain processes acute versus chronic pain, offering a potential new target for pain therapies. The study,focused on neurons in the medullary dorsal horn,a key relay station for pain signals,reveals a “braking system” that malfunctions in chronic pain conditions.
The research, led by PROF. BINSHTOK at the HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM, found that during acute inflammatory pain, these projection neurons reduce their activity, limiting the amount of pain-related signals sent to the brain.Once the inflammation subsides, the neurons return to their normal state. Tho, in chronic pain, this braking system fails, and the neurons become hyperactive, potentially contributing to the persistence of pain.
The key mechanism identified is the A-type potassium current (IA), which regulates the excitability of neurons. In acute pain, IA increases, acting as a natural sedative for the pain pathways. But in chronic pain, this current doesn’t ramp up, and the neurons become hyperactive.
“This is the first time we’ve seen how the same neurons behave so differently in acute versus chronic pain.”
The absence of this regulation might potentially be one of the biological switches that turns temporary pain into a long-lasting condition. “The fact that this natural ‘calming’ mechanism is missing in chronic pain suggests a new target for therapy. If we can find a way to restore or mimic that braking system,we might be able to prevent pain from becoming chronic,” said PROF. BINSHTOK.
The study, published in Science Advances, offers a crucial step toward developing more effective and targeted pain therapies. By understanding the nervous system’s built-in pain controls and why they sometimes fail, scientists can work towards preventing acute pain from becoming chronic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chronic Pain
- What is the main difference between acute and chronic pain?
- Acute pain is a normal response to injury or illness and usually resolves as the underlying cause heals. Chronic pain persists for more than three months, frequently enough without a clear cause or after the initial injury has healed.
- What are some common causes of chronic pain?
- Chronic pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including nerve damage, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and injuries that don’t heal properly. In some cases, the cause of chronic pain is unknown.
- How is chronic pain treated?
- Treatment for chronic pain often involves a combination of approaches, including medication, physical therapy, psychological therapy, and lifestyle changes. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and improve function.
- Can chronic pain be cured?
- While a complete cure for chronic pain is not always possible, many people can effectively manage their pain and improve their quality of life with appropriate treatment.
- What is the role of the brain in chronic pain?
- The brain plays a crucial role in processing and modulating pain signals. In chronic pain, changes in the brain can contribute to the persistence of pain, even after the initial injury has healed.
