Pain mechanisms along the nociceptive neuraxis

(Lecture Hall F7)

Acute pain is a physiological and adaptive response that serves a protective biological function, whereas chronic pain represents a pathological condition characterized by persistent maladaptive neural processing. Chronic pain arises through complex mechanisms involving both peripheral and central nervous system alterations across the neuraxis. This workshop will highlight current research on the mechanistic basis of chronic pain in both human and animal studies. Topics will include peripheral mechanisms such as neuroimmune interactions and nociceptor sensitization, as well as central mechanisms including central sensitization, maladaptive brain reorganization, and other neurobiological adaptations associated with pain chronification. In addition, the workshop will address mechanistic differences across diverse chronic pain cohorts to provide an integrated perspective on chronic pain pathophysiology.