Mechanisms underlying joint pain

Joint pain is associated with injury, inflammation of the joint and severe remodeling of the subchondrial bone. The leading reason of articular pain is osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis. The most important component of joint pain is sensitization of high threshold nociceptors, which release neuropeptides, express excitatory receptors and ion channels. Ongoing hyperexcitability of nociceptors results in permanent CNS changes contributing to the maintenance of chronic pain.

Section editors:Frank Porreca – University of Arizona, Tucson, USAMichael Ossipov – University of Arizona, Tucson, USA