The field of Pain Medicine is rapidly evolving. Due to the complexity of chronic pain, and its multifaceted effects on those who suffer from chronic pain, effective treatment requires a holistic "360 degree" approach. The pathophysiology leading to symptom generation and functional impairment, the response to injury and to pharmacological, psychological, physical and emotional interventions, and the long-term consequences to individuals, families and society support the adoption of a wider view. Emerging evidence elucidating the underlying mechanisms, innovative approaches to management, and refinements in established techniques can all play key roles in driving progress toward safer and more effective pain control.
Interdisciplinary communication amongst basic scientists, clinical scientists, and clinicians from various specialties, each approaching pain evaluation and treatment from differing perspectives, fosters cross-fertilization of ideas and promotes innovation. The goal of Pain 360 is to bring a distinguished group of international experts together to actively promote discussion, debate, and consensus development. The goal of this special issue is to report the outcomes from this meeting. This issue will also reach out beyond the confines of the meeting to invite researchers investigating complementary topics to further expand the scope of the topic, focusing specifically on emerging concepts and innovative techniques.
Given the wide-ranging nature of pain initiation and its perpetuation, underlying mechanisms provide a common framework for establishing discussion. While all related topics will be considered, molecular, cellular, and organ system level chronic pain pathophysiology, emerging concepts in neuroanatomy, neuroimmunology, and regenerative medicine topics are encouraged. Novel approaches leading to safe and effective interventional, pharmacological and physical treatments are also encouraged. Submissions that provide a mechanistic bridge between these basic science and clinical science findings are of special interest and will be given high priority.
The field of Pain Medicine is rapidly evolving. Due to the complexity of chronic pain, and its multifaceted effects on those who suffer from chronic pain, effective treatment requires a holistic "360 degree" approach. The pathophysiology leading to symptom generation and functional impairment, the response to injury and to pharmacological, psychological, physical and emotional interventions, and the long-term consequences to individuals, families and society support the adoption of a wider view. Emerging evidence elucidating the underlying mechanisms, innovative approaches to management, and refinements in established techniques can all play key roles in driving progress toward safer and more effective pain control.
Interdisciplinary communication amongst basic scientists, clinical scientists, and clinicians from various specialties, each approaching pain evaluation and treatment from differing perspectives, fosters cross-fertilization of ideas and promotes innovation. The goal of Pain 360 is to bring a distinguished group of international experts together to actively promote discussion, debate, and consensus development. The goal of this special issue is to report the outcomes from this meeting. This issue will also reach out beyond the confines of the meeting to invite researchers investigating complementary topics to further expand the scope of the topic, focusing specifically on emerging concepts and innovative techniques.
Given the wide-ranging nature of pain initiation and its perpetuation, underlying mechanisms provide a common framework for establishing discussion. While all related topics will be considered, molecular, cellular, and organ system level chronic pain pathophysiology, emerging concepts in neuroanatomy, neuroimmunology, and regenerative medicine topics are encouraged. Novel approaches leading to safe and effective interventional, pharmacological and physical treatments are also encouraged. Submissions that provide a mechanistic bridge between these basic science and clinical science findings are of special interest and will be given high priority.
