Environmental enrichment for neuropathic pain via modulation of neuroinflammation

Jian-Dong Zhang ¹ Zi-An Zhong ² Wen-Yuan Xing ^2*

• ¹ Qilu Normal University, Jinan, China
• ² Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China

Neuropathic pain causes tremendous biological and psychological suffering to patients worldwide. Environmental enrichment (EE) is a promising non-pharmacological strategy with high costeffectiveness to reduce neuropathic pain and support rehabilitation therapy. Three researchers reviewed previous studies to determine the efficacy of EE for neuropathic pain to research how EE improves neuropathic pain through neuroinflammation. For this review, Embase, PubMed, and Cochran were searched. Three authors did study selection and data extraction. Out of 74 papers, 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. In the chronic constriction injury rats with acute or chronic detrimental stimulation, the change of pain behavior was influenced by environmental settings like start time, and cage size. Besides, physical EE has a larger effect than socially EE in inflammatory pain. These articles suggest employing various EE to regulate the release of pain-causing substances and changes in ion channels in the peripheral and central nerves to improve neuropathic pain behavior and depression and anxiety conditions. The existing proof provides important knowledge for upcoming preclinical investigations and the practical use of EE in clinical pain treatment. This analysis aids in the advancement of improved approaches for managing chronic pain, with a focus on internal mechanisms for controlling pain.