Imprints of chronic pain trajectories on brain volume and tissue properties

The study examined how different chronic pain trajectories affect brain structure in 976 community-dwelling adults. Using magnetic resonance imaging, researchers analyzed changes in gray matter volume and tissue properties including myelin and iron content. Participants were divided into groups based on persistent, resolved, or new-onset chronic pain. Individuals with persistent pain showed lower gray matter volume in frontal-temporal brain regions and reduced myelin-related signals in subcortical and thalamic areas. Patients who recovered from chronic pain had decreased gray matter volume across broader regions including subcortical nuclei and frontal lobes. All pain groups exhibited reduced gray matter volume in frontal-temporal areas. The results indicate that different chronic pain trajectories leave distinct imprints on brain structure with differential effects on myelin and iron content.