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Chronic Pain: Structural and Functional Changes in Brain Structures and Associated Negative Affective States.
Seoyon Yang1, Min Cheol Chang2
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Ewha Woman's University Seoul Hospital, School of Medicine, Ewha Woman's University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 29, 2019
Summary
Chronic pain persists beyond healing, impacting quality of life. This review explores pain mechanisms, neural pathways, and brain changes to guide future chronic pain treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Medical Science
Background:
- Chronic pain is a persistent condition beyond normal healing.
- It significantly impairs daily function and reduces quality of life.
- Understanding its mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on chronic pain development mechanisms.
- To identify neural areas and brain changes associated with chronic pain.
- To explore the link between chronic pain and negative emotional states.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of previous studies.
- Focus on neurobiological mechanisms of pain chronification.
- Analysis of structural and functional brain alterations.
Main Results:
- Identified key neural pathways involved in chronic pain.
- Detailed the association between chronic pain and affective disorders.
- Described neurotransmitter system involvement and brain structural changes.
Conclusions:
- Chronic pain involves complex neural and affective components.
- Understanding these mechanisms is vital for therapeutic development.
- This review provides a foundation for future chronic pain management strategies.
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