While disabling and stressful in itself, chronic pain syndrome (CPS) also encompasses alterations in mood, cognitive and sleep disturbances, fatigue, loss of libido, and/or physical disability. As such, CPS significantly affects quality of life and productivity. Further, individuals with chronic pain are more likely to have a reduced ability to carry out their day-to-day activities, leading to psychosocial and mental health consequences.

Chronic pain may also amplify neuronal responsiveness in pain pathways leading to increased sensitivity to pain and perpetuation of pain signalling. Further, unresolved localised inflammation and sustained release of inflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system reinforce this sensitisation, making it difficult to break the pain and inflammatory cycle.

To add to this, some individuals may have pre-existing neurocircuitry that  physiologically primes them for pain. Various inflammatory subtypes also contribute to pain presentations and can fluctuate between individuals, and the course of a condition. Furthermore, the microenvironment, which determines local and systemic inflammation, can promote or inhibit the resolution of pain and inflammation.

These factors, in addition to the individual’s drivers need to be considered within a holistic framework to successfully rewire pain circuitry.

Event overview

The presentations will discuss:

• The primary pain pathways that modulate nociception and how inflammatory mechanisms influence pain.

• Categorisation of pain and inflammation by body tissue, the role of the immune system at the local and systemic levels, and common comorbidities.

• Specific pathology markers in inflammatory conditions, and clinical strategies to track and monitor pain.

• New understandings in the role of specific herbal and nutritional ingredients, and how they interact within the endocannabinoid, immune and central nervous systems.

• Targeted strategies for top-down and bottom-up management of pain and inflammatory conditions.

• Case studies demonstrating clinical applications of the above-mentioned learnings.

CPE Points:  This event is recognised for 4.5 contact learning hours. Check with your association for details.

Materials available include:

• Video recordings
• Audio recordings
• Resources and presentation notes  
• Certificate of Attendance