Editorial: Exploring neuroinflammatory pathways that contribute to chronic pain

Abstract

Chronic pain leading to a reduced quality of life is one of the most important health problems worldwide. It has been estimated that 10% of adults are diagnosed with chronic pain each year. However, despite the high prevalence of chronic pain, its treatment options are limited, in part, due to the variety of chronic pain conditions with different aetiologies (e.g., diabetes, cancer, viral, musculoskeletal) and because their pathophysiological mechanisms are only partially known and can change with time. Therefore, there is a huge unmet need for new effective therapies for the control and/or prevention of multifarious chronic pain conditions. Chronic pain is associated with neuroinflammation where cellular and molecular immune components such as microglia and astrocytes, cytokines, complement, and pattern-recognition receptors act as key regulators of pain signalling. Emerging evidence indicates long-term effects of COVID-19 infection can exacerbate neuroinflammation conditions underlying chronic pain. The exact mechanisms underlying the link between neuroinflammation, and chronic pain are still not clear and the study of innovative approaches targeting neuroinflammation pathways and their resolution is currently an emerging field of pain research. The goal of this Research Topic is to compile a series of articles focused on identifying, treating, and modulating neuroinflammation-associated chronic pain, aiming to improve our understanding and enhance the development of novel therapeutic strategies.