Why does a stubbed toe or a paper cut sting for a few minutes, but a dodgy knee or aching back can nag you for years—sometimes even decades?
If you have ever wondered why some pain just won’t let go, you are not alone.
Chronic pain is a daily reality for millions of Australians, especially those in the over-50s club.
Now, new research is shining a light on the mysterious workings of our brains, and it could be the breakthrough we have all been waiting for.
The brain’s secret pain switch
A recent study published in Science Advances has uncovered a fascinating piece of the pain puzzle.
Deep within the brainstem lies a region called the medullary dorsal horn—a sort of relay station for pain signals.
Think of it as a busy train station where pain messages are sent up to the brain.
Normally, this area has a built-in ‘braking system’ that helps keep short-term pain in check, ensuring that a stubbed toe does not turn into a lifelong agony.
But here is the catch: when pain becomes chronic (lasting more than three months), this braking system seems to break down.
Instead of calming things down, the neurons in this region become even more excitable, allowing pain signals to keep firing long after the original injury has healed.
It is as if the brakes have failed and the pain train just keeps chugging along.
The science behind the pain
The researchers used a combination of electrophysiology (measuring the electrical activity of neurons) and computer modelling to dig deeper.
They discovered that a specific electrical current, known as the A-type potassium current (IA), plays a crucial role.
In cases of short-term pain, IA increases, helping neurons return to a resting state and preventing them from becoming overactive. It is like a natural pain dampener.
However, in chronic pain, this current does not kick in as it should. The neurons stay hyperactive, and the pain persists.
Professor Alexander Binshtok, a leading neurobiology expert, explains: ‘This is the first time we have seen how the same neurons behave so differently in acute versus chronic pain. The fact that this natural “calming” mechanism is missing in chronic pain suggests a new target for therapy. If we can find a way to restore or mimic that braking system, we might be able to prevent pain from becoming chronic.’
Why this matters for Australians over 50
Chronic pain is not just a nuisance—it can be life-altering. In Australia, about one in five people over the age of 45 live with chronic pain.
It can affect your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, or even get a good night’s sleep.
Many of our members know all too well the frustration of trying every cream, pill and therapy under the sun, only to find the pain still lingers.
Current treatments for chronic pain include medications, physical therapy, psychological approaches (like retraining the brain’s response to pain), and self-management strategies.
While these can help, they often focus on dulling the pain rather than fixing the underlying problem.
A glimmer of hope: What’s next?
This new research offers hope for more targeted treatments. Instead of simply masking the pain, future therapies could aim to restore the brain’s own pain regulation system—essentially fixing the faulty brakes.
Imagine a treatment that helps your body switch off unnecessary pain, letting you get back to the things you love.
Of course, more research is needed before these findings translate into new medications or therapies. But understanding the brain’s role in chronic pain is a huge step forward.
Have your say!
Have you struggled with chronic pain? What treatments have worked (or not worked) for you? Do you think new brain-based therapies could make a difference?
Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—your story could help another member find relief.
Let us keep the conversation going and support each other on the journey to better health and less pain.
Also read: Wildlife warrior endures ‘intense pain’ before being rushed to hospital
