Abstract
It has been reported that stimulating nociceptive unmyelinated C nerves (C) near the sarcolemma could induce the secretion of endogenous opioids that relieve chronic pain. However, a substantial concern remains: concomitant stimulation might cause acute pain to nociceptive myelinated Aδ nerves (Aδ), which generally have a lower activation threshold than the C. However, few studies have reported on C selectivity over Aδ (C-selectivity). In this study, the C and Aδ nerves were modeled using the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) and McIntyre-Richardson-Grill (MRG) models, respectively. Two potential stimulation schemes, including bipolar square waves and burst modulated alternating current, together with a new stimulation scheme named inhibit-Aδ (i-Aδ) that inhibits the excitability of theAδ, were systematically investigated. Their stimuli were given to the C and Aδ nerves through point electrodes located near the nerve fibers. Simulation results revealed that i-Aδ presented the highest C-selectivity, which provides a basis for non-invasive effective chronic-pain relief.
Highlights
Chronic pain is one of the significant factors that reduce patients’ quality of life (QOL) because the condition is poorly understood and minimally treatable using existing therapies [1]
A survey showed that the retention rate of chronic pain increases with age [2]
Two main methods are available for chronic pain relief: 1) stimulation therapy and 2) drug therapy [3]
Summary
Chronic pain is one of the significant factors that reduce patients’ quality of life (QOL) because the condition is poorly understood and minimally treatable using existing therapies [1]. A survey showed that the retention rate of chronic pain increases with age [2]. For countries facing rapidly aging populations, the treatment of chronic pain is an essential medical and even social issue [3]. Psychological therapy can improve pain treatment by facilitating positive subjective attitudes, such as treatment willingness and good interpersonal relationships [4]. Two main methods are available for chronic pain relief: 1) stimulation therapy (such as massage, physical therapy, and acupuncture) and 2) drug therapy [3].
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.