Identification of therapeutic targets and the development of novel treatments for spinal cord injury pain

Abstract

The condition of pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) challenges clinicians and compromises the life quality of nearly 70% of individuals with SCI. in recent years, clinical and basic science studies have provided important insights into the complexities of the psychosocial and clinical characteristics of this condition as well as mechanisms responsible for this devastating consequence of SCI. Through the use of experimental models developed to study at-level or below-level pain, there is an evolving appreciation for the mechanism(s) responsible for the onset and progression of these conditions. As a result of studies focusing on the anatomical, biochemical, molecular, and functional consequences of SCI, progress is being made in identifying therapeutic targets and designing novel strategies for the treatment of various pain conditions associated with spinal injury.