Background: Recent advancements in chronic pain treatment have introduced novel neuromodulation therapies, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), acupuncture etc. While these approaches have shown promise, their precise therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. A deeper exploration of the peripheral and central mechanisms of chronic pain is crucial to translating these therapies from bench to bedside and optimizing patient outcomes.
Goal: This research topic seeks to explore the latest innovations in chronic pain treatment, with a particular focus on nervous system stimulation therapies. We encourage researchersto investigate a broad spectrum of interventions, including non-invasive modalities such as light, sound, ultrasound, and electromagnetic stimulation. Invasive techniques, such as acupuncture and electric stimulation, are also of interest. We particularly welcome contributions that elucidate the molecular, cellular, regional, and neural circuit mechanisms underlying these therapies. Research utilizing diverse methodologies—including human clinical studies, animal models, cellular assays, and advanced imaging techniques—is highly valued for providing a comprehensive understanding of these evolving therapeutic strategies.
Scope: This research topic aims to compile cutting-edge findings on the neuromodulation for chronic pain treatment and its underlying mechanisms, including but not limited to:
1）Nervous system stimulation therapies, such as TMS, TENS, RFA etc.
2）Mechanistic insights into pain modulation, focusing on molecular pathways and neural circuits involved in neuromodulation for chronic pain.
3）Applications of novel therapeutic approaches in preclinical and clinical research of chronic pain, spanning human studies and animal models.
We invite the submission of original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and case reports that align with these themes and contribute to the advancement of chronic pain therapies.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Case Report
Clinical Trial
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
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Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
