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Chronic pain: Pathophysiology and its therapeutic implications

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Abstract

This article provides an overview of recent experimental and clinical research that has advanced our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the establishment of chronic pain states. Alterations in physiological, anatomical, cellular; and molecular mechanisms that may play a role in the development and persistence of chronic pain are discussed. In addition, correlations between these mechanisms and clinical observations in patients with chronic pain are provided. Also reviewed are possible treatment approaches based on these pathophysiological mechanisms. Some of these therapeutic approaches are already established whereas others may develop as a result of our increased knowledge of the basic processes involved in chronic pain states.

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Gupta, R., Raja, S.N. Chronic pain: Pathophysiology and its therapeutic implications. Curr Pain Headache Rep 1, 1–9 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02938145

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