Pain

Chronic pain is a leading global health issue affecting up to 1 in 5 of the adult population. Due to the lack of biomarkers, chronic pain is highly variable, difficult to diagnose, displays high co-morbidity with physical and psychiatric illness and difficult to treat. Current analgesic treatments are sub-optimal, with limited efficacy, unwanted side-effects and high misuse potential. Furthermore, although females are up to twice as likely to experience chronic pain, the vast majority of research on pain has been conducted in males. GNC and Centre for Pain Research researchers have been examining neurobiological and psychological mechanisms that mediate and modulate chronic pain revealing roles of key biological modulatory systems, biological sex, environment and co-morbidities. The research conducted by these groups spans from fundamental science, pre-clinical modelling through to clinical trials. In addition, researchers are examining the potential for novel biomarkers and psychological programmes for managing chronic pain.

 Relevant Research groups

Prof David Finn

Prof Brian McGuire

Dr Michelle Roche