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In a groundbreaking international study, researchers from Western, the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD), and Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) have discovered two key biomarkers in the brain that could significantly improve the understanding and treatment of chronic pain. Published in JAMA Neurology, the study reveals how specific patterns in brain activity—namely corticomotor excitability (CME) and peak alpha frequency (PAF)—can predict an individual’s sensitivity to pain, offering new avenues for personalized pain management strategies.
The study, which focused on temporomandibular disorders (jaw pain), uncovered that the combination of these two biomarkers can distinguish individuals with high or low pain sensitivity during prolonged pain. CME, which measures excitability in the brain’s movement control region, and PAF, a neural marker associated with cognitive function, were found to reliably identify pain sensitivity levels in study participants.
“We are at a turning point in understanding chronic pain. Having objective biomarkers like these will greatly aid in diagnosing, preventing, and treating pain,” said David Seminowicz, senior author and professor at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. “This is a critical step in addressing the massive burden of chronic pain on millions worldwide.”
Chronic pain affects an estimated 1.7 billion people globally, with conditions often linked to musculoskeletal issues that cause persistent discomfort. Despite its prevalence, current treatments for chronic pain are limited and the transition from acute to chronic pain remains poorly understood. This new research could lead to more effective treatments tailored to an individual’s pain sensitivity.
The study, which involved 150 Australian participants aged 18 to 44, found that individuals with slower PAF before experiencing prolonged pain and reduced CME shortly after the onset of pain were more likely to suffer from intense pain days or weeks later. These findings suggest that these biomarkers could serve as indicators of how a person will respond to future pain episodes, enabling healthcare providers to make more informed treatment decisions.
“Our results show that these biomarkers could help predict who is likely to develop chronic pain after acute episodes, opening the door for more personalized interventions,” said Siobhan Schabrun, co-author and professor at Western’s School of Physical Therapy. “This represents a significant leap forward in pain science, with the potential to transform how we approach pain treatment.”
Building on previous research that links acute pain intensity to the development of chronic pain, the team is exploring the use of PAF and CME in pre-operative and post-injury settings. This could allow for early identification of individuals at higher risk for developing chronic pain, paving the way for proactive, targeted treatments.
The research team is now working to validate these biomarkers in clinical settings and further explore their potential in predicting pain outcomes. With an accuracy rate of 88%, these biomarkers show promise in reshaping pain management protocols and improving patient outcomes.
“This is just the beginning,” added Schabrun. “Our ultimate goal is to help patients avoid the transition to chronic pain, leading to better quality of life and more effective pain prevention.”
Disclaimer: The findings from this study are preliminary, and further clinical validation is necessary before these biomarkers can be implemented in widespread pain management practices. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice on managing chronic pain.
