Human trials for two promising new treatments for chronic pain will commence soon
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Human trials for two promising new treatments for chronic pain will commence soon
Curing chronic pain could possibly become a reality sooner rather than later as human trials for two promising new treatments are being set.
CRPS, a condition that often occurs after an injury or trauma, affects around 5000 Aussies each year. Credit: 9News.
Around 5000 Australians are diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a condition that affects the hands, feet, and limbs of sufferers, each year.
The condition, which often occurs after injury or trauma, causes sufferers to experience severe pain that can be described as burning, stinging, or stabbing.
38-year-old Erica Bateman, who was diagnosed with CRPS, said: "It almost feels like the nerves are on fire and I can feel the pain deep in my bones."
Ms Bateman said that the pain started in her right hand which then worsened and spread throughout her body.
She also disclosed that she now relies on distraction techniques to lessen the pain as only 30 per cent of relief is provided by available medications.
"Even last night, I was up most of the night," she said.
38-year-old Erica Bateman said that she relies on distractions to lessen the pain she experiences from the condition. Credit: 9News.
Neuroscience Research Australia (Neura) is reported to be leading the largest ever trial of the two promising treatments.
"There are very few treatments for this group of people, very few treatments shown to be effective," Professor James McAuley, Senior Research Scientist at Neuroscience Research Australia and the University of NSW said.
The first intervention is a rehabilitation treatment which includes mirror therapy — a series of exercises on the unaffected hand or foot are reflected in a mirror to retrain the brain of sufferers who process pain signals differently.
Prof McAuley said: "We try to trick the brain by thinking that the hand is normal and moving in a normal way."
Meanwhile, the other treatment is a TGA-approved medication that is being repurposed for pain.
Currently, Neura is recruiting 160 Aussie patients.
"We think that this trial gives people with CRPS hope," Professor McAuley said.
For those who are interested to participate but are worrying that travelling might cause you greater pain, you don't need to worry as trials will be delivered remotely.
Is this human trial something you or someone you know could try?
The proposed treatments for chronic pain include mirror therapy. Credit: 9News.
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