Research on Pain

Pain research is conducted and funded by many of NIH’s institutes and centers, including the NIAMS. Although some of this research on pain is not linked to any disease specifically, certain aspects of pain research are applicable to many diseases. Research on pain supported by NIAMS covers a broad spectrum from basic research to clinical studies to behavioral interventions. This research is needed to:

• determine the most effective drug and nondrug therapies and interventions, including
• complementary / alternative treatments
• remove barriers to effective treatment
• identify assessment tools for patients unable to describe their pain
• identify effective pain management strategies for individuals with disabilities and in underserved populations.

That is why it is essential to support basic studies across the research spectrum and to encourage sharing of knowledge from experts in many disciplines.