The number one reason for doctor visits in the U.S. is ongoing somatic and visceral pain. This includes pain in the thorax, abdomen and pelvis. These pain sensations originate in peripheral tissues and are carried to the central nervous system via sensory neurons whose cell bodies are located in clusters called spinal or dorsal root ganglia. Sensory neurons are heterogeneous with respect to the type of sensation they detect, their anatomical properties and their role in generating pain signals. We need to need to be able to perceive pain so that we can be alerted to potentially damaging processes that might be occurring in our body. However, once the threat to proper function is detected, pain becomes a counterproductive sensation. In many cases, the pain persists even after the underlying cause has been resolved. This type of pathological pain is often due to changes in the sensory neurons themselves. Pathological changes in sensory neurons is thought to contribute to chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pancreatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and cancer. In addition to producing debilitating pain sensations, hyperactive sensory neurons can release bioactive peptides that further exacerbate disease. Recent studies suggest that dysfunctional sensory neurons may be an underlying cause of Type I diabetes and pancreatitis.
