Understanding why some adolescents develop chronic pain from acute musculoskeletal issues
Official title: Neurobiological and psychosocial risk for transition from acute to chronic musculoskeletal pain in adolescence
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10888368 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why some teenagers with short-term pain end up with long-lasting pain, and it aims to find ways to help prevent that from happening by understanding both their brain activity and emotional well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $655,758 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080228-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888368 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are experiencing acute musculoskeletal pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain or are outside the adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the transition from acute musculoskeletal pain to chronic pain in adolescents, focusing on both neurobiological and psychosocial factors. By examining adolescents who seek treatment for acute pain, the study aims to identify the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this transition. Utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques, researchers will analyze brain activity and other biological markers alongside psychological assessments to better understand the risk factors involved. The goal is to develop effective preventative strategies and treatments to reduce the incidence of chronic pain in this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that prevent the development of chronic pain in adolescents, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on chronic pain in adults, this research is novel as it specifically focuses on adolescents and employs neuroimaging techniques to explore the transition from acute to chronic pain.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagel, Bonnie J — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Nagel, Bonnie J
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.