Research Brief
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center say they've found two possible ways to block pain messages at the source, thanks to their discovery of a heat-activated fatty acid in the body. They also believe they've discovered processes related to central sensitization, which is considered a key feature of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Their recently published paper says the type of receptor that senses heat (TRPV1) may also be involved in central sensitization to mechanical stimuli (i.e., pressure, tension, touch.) The same receptors deal with temperature regulation and hyperalgesia related to heat and inflammation.
They conclude that by blocking the fatty acid that activates this receptor, they could alleviate pain in multiple pain conditions. Researchers say they're currently working on 2 different methods of doing so -- a pill and an antibody. The pain medications we have now mask symptoms but do not block pain at the source, like researchers say they hope to do.
The article mentions several forms of arthritis but does not mention fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome specifically. However, TRPV1 receptors are sometimes called capsaicin receptors, after the substance that makes chili peppers hot. Capsaicin is used is topical medicines to ease pain, and previous studies have shown that it can be effective against fibromyalgia pain. Both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome involve hyperalgesia.
Other researchers have theorized that chronic pain can lead to central sensitization through changes in the nervous system due to constant bombardment of pain signals. That means blocking pain at the source, thereby preventing those signals from reaching the brain, may hold promise for preventing central sensitization as well as treating it.
Learn more or join the conversation!
NEWSLETTER | FORUM | BIO | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
- 7 Types of Fibromyalgia Pain
- Capsaicin for Fibromyalgia Pain
- Complementary/Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Photo © Adam Crowley/Getty Images
This is fantastic news!!! Treating the pain at the source rather than at the end result sounds so much better. Sometimes, by the time we feel pain, it is too late to stop it completely. I believe that is why it is always necessary to titrate meds up for chronic intractable painers like us.
We can hope. We always can have hope.