chronic pain back neck

Chronic pain research has gained urgency given the limitations of opioid therapy and the search for non-addictive alternatives. Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 sodium channel blockers, CGRP antagonists (extended from migraine to other pain conditions), and neuromodulation approaches represent the most active mechanistic targets in current trials.

Trials investigate suzetrigine (Nav1.8 blocker), ziconotide intrathecal delivery, spinal cord stimulation with novel waveforms (burst, high-frequency), ketamine infusion protocols, low-dose naltrexone, and psychedelic-assisted pain management. Digital pain measurement tools and PROMIS scales are increasingly validated as primary endpoints.