Research On Pain
Pain research is conducted and funded by the NIH by many of its 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
NIAMS Pain Research
NIAMS currently supports research on pain conducted by scientists in laboratories on the NIH campus, and through grants and contracts to researchers across the U.S in:
- universities
- research institutions
- medical centers
Pain research includes basic and behavioral investigations, such as:
- pain processing mechanisms in the brain and central nervous system
- stress response systems and pain
- gender and hormonal influences on pain
- coping methods for pain
Grant and contract applications submitted to NIH go through a two-step peer review process.
