Why teens' muscle and joint pain can become long-term
Official title: Neurobiological and psychosocial risk for transition from acute to chronic musculoskeletal pain in adolescence
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11159569 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at brain changes and social-emotional factors in teens with recent muscle or joint pain to find who is likely to develop long-lasting pain.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $600,384 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080228-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159569 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Teens roughly 12–20 years old who are seeking care for recent (acute) musculoskeletal pain of the spine, knee, ankle, or foot would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People who already have long-standing chronic musculoskeletal pain, who are younger than the adolescent range, or whose pain comes from non-musculoskeletal causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
If you're a teen with a new musculoskeletal pain (back, knee, ankle, or foot), researchers will invite you to take part in visits including brain imaging, pain and mood questionnaires, and physical exams. They will collect information about your social environment and psychological state as well as biological measures. Participants will be followed over time to see who recovers and who develops ongoing pain. The goal is to spot early brain and psychosocial signs that predict chronic pain so doctors can try to stop it before it becomes disabling.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help identify teens at high risk for chronic pain and allow earlier, targeted treatments to prevent long-term disability.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has found biopsychosocial risk factors for chronic pain and some adult studies show promise, but using brain imaging in treatment-seeking adolescents is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
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Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Anna Camille — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Anna Camille
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biopsychosocial factors in pediatric chronic musculoskeletal pain
A study at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital will look at how biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to chronic muscle and joint pain in young people to find better ways to help them.
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Neurobiological and psychosocial factors that may turn acute teen pain into chronic pain
A study following teenagers with acute musculoskeletal pain to understand why some develop chronic pain and how biology and psychology interact to shape their outcomes.
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A large, well-designed study will compare online yoga to acceptance and commitment therapy to help veterans manage chronic musculoskeletal pain.
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.