Position of strength
Translational Pain
Position of strength
Translational Pain
Pain - a warning sign from the body
Pain is an important warning signal from the body sent via the nervous system to our brain when something is wrong. Approximately one in five adults suffers from chronic pain. That is, pain that persists even though the body has healed, or persistent pain that changes and is difficult to locate. The changes in the nervous system over time (neuroplasticity) are an important explanatory model for chronic pain.
Pain studies and categorizing pain systems
To solve the mysteries of pain, we study the pain system that is changeable and differs from person to person. We develop methods to categorize individual pain systems. With the help of technologies and pain studies, we are gaining more and more knowledge about how to influence the inappropriate mechanisms that can maintain pain.
New understandings, technologies and guidelines
Our research has led to international recommendations on how we can best relieve pain in patients – for example by using medication or by stimulating the body's nervous system and brain. The research is also leading to the development of new technologies, for example for measuring and modifying the nervous system, showing the changes that occur in people with long term pain.
Unique research organization
Translational pain research at AAU is done in meaningful interaction between several parties. We are involved in the entire process from laboratory to patient, ensuring that new knowledge will benefit day-to-day clinical practice in the healthcare system.
Research areas
- Neuroplasticity and pain
- Mechanisms and molecular understanding
- Pain in the musculoskeletal system and internal organs
- Development of medicines and other forms of treatment
- Diagnostic methods and equipment, for example to measure and modify brain areas affected by pain