Biomarkers for Chronic Neuropathic Pain and their Potential Application in Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Review

Abstract

This review was focused on understanding which substances inside the human body increase and decrease with increasing neuropathic pain. We reviewed various studies, and saw correlations between neuropathic pain and components of the immune system (this system defends the body against diseases and infections). Our findings will especially be useful for understanding ways to reduce or eliminate the discomfort, chronic neuropathic pain brings with it. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) procedure is one of the few fairly efficient remedial treatments for pain. A follow-up study will apply our findings from this review to SCS, in order to understand the mechanism, and further optimize efficaciousness.

Keywords: chronic neuropathic pain; cytokines; pain biomarkers; spinal cord stimulation.

Conflict of interest statement

Author Disclosure The authors declare no conflicts of interest.