{"id":2058,"date":"2018-03-12T09:36:00","date_gmt":"2018-03-12T00:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cinetjp-static3.nict.go.jp\/english\/?post_type=news&p=2058"},"modified":"2022-10-08T09:39:29","modified_gmt":"2022-10-08T00:39:29","slug":"20180312_2377","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"http:\/\/cinetjp-static3.nict.go.jp\/english\/news\/20180312_2377\/","title":{"rendered":"New research into human pain (Seymour Group)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
An international collaboration between CiNet and UK researchers has shed light on the how the brain can automatically reduce pain, raising hope for new treatments in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[From eLife Digest] \u2018Chronic pain is a common problem that affects about 1 in 5 people at some point in their lives. The lack of effective treatments has led to widespread use of a group of drugs called opioids \u2013 the best-known example is morphine. Opioids work by activating the brain\u2019s natural painkilling system and are useful to relieve short-term pain, for example in trauma or surgery, or in end-of-life care. Unfortunately, long-term use of opioids can cause many undesirable effects, including drug dependency. Misuse of opioids combined with the widespread availability of prescription drugs have contributed to the current crisis of opioid addiction and overdose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A better understanding of how the brain\u2019s natural painkilling system works could help scientists develop painkillers that offer relief without the harmful side effects of opioids. While unpleasant, pain is important for survival. After an injury, for example, pain saps motivation and forces people to rest and preserve their energy as they are healing. In a way, this sort of pain is healthy because it promotes recovery. There may be times when the brain might want to turn off pain, such as when an individual is seeking new ways to relieve or manage pain. For example, by finding a way to cool a burn.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n