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Decoding chronic pain: integrating genetics, neuroimaging, and AI for precision management
Bade Uckac1,2, Natalia S Ogonowski1,3,4, Luis M García-Marín1,3
1Brain and Mental Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Frontiers in Pain Research (Lausanne, Switzerland)
|February 23, 2026
Summary
Chronic pain affects one in three adults globally, influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Integrated treatments offer better long-term relief than medication alone for this complex condition.
Area of Science:
- Pain Research
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Chronic pain is a complex condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, affecting nearly one-third of adults worldwide.
- It disproportionately impacts older adults, women, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, often co-occurring with other disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology, mechanisms, and management of chronic pain.
- To emphasize the interplay of genetic, neurobiological, and psychosocial factors in chronic pain.
- To explore advancements in monitoring and personalized treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of population-based studies, clinical trials, neuroimaging research, and multi-omic genetic analyses.
- Analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for genetic overlaps.
- Examination of neuroimaging findings in prefrontal, insular, and limbic circuits.
Main Results:
- Chronic pain exhibits significant heterogeneity, with genetic studies revealing polygenic overlap with psychiatric and immune traits.
- Neuroimaging shows consistent alterations in brain circuits involved in pain perception and persistence.
- Integrated approaches (psychological, physiotherapy, interventional) yield more sustainable functional improvements than pharmacotherapy alone.
Conclusions:
- Understanding chronic pain requires integrating biological, behavioral, and environmental data for precision care.
- Digital phenotyping, wearables, and AI offer potential for objective monitoring and personalized treatment.
- Multifaceted management strategies are crucial for improving function and quality of life in chronic pain patients.
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