Neurobiological Mechanisms for Chronic Pain

This trial aims to understand the brain mechanisms contributing to chronic widespread pain in children. By studying these mechanisms, researchers hope to improve treatments for young people dealing with ongoing pain and its effects on daily life. Participants will undergo a brain scan (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or fMRI) and stress assessments. The trial seeks right-handed children aged 11-17 who have experienced widespread pain for more than three months and are being evaluated at Boston Children’s Hospital. As an unphased trial, participants can contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to better pain management for children.

If you are taking prescription steroidal or psychotropic medications, you will need to stop them to participate in the trial, as these are part of the exclusion criteria.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores chronic pain through the lens of neurobiology and stress physiology, which is quite different from traditional approaches that often focus on medication or physical therapy. By using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to assess brain activity and allostatic load to measure stress responses, the trial aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of chronic pain. This could lead to more personalized treatment strategies that address the root causes of pain rather than just the symptoms. Overall, the study represents a shift towards understanding how stress and brain function contribute to chronic pain, potentially paving the way for innovative treatment approaches.