Biochemistry of Spinal Pain

Cytokines and neuropeptides are involved in the nervous system response and their role in pain is only beginning to be understood and incorporated into routine care. We present here a review on several cytokines and neuropeptides that might be implicated in spinal pain as well as the future directions of this field of research.

A review on the biochemistry of spinal pain.

A literature review

A literature review of pubmed using studies published in the English language and focusing on studies dealing with the cytokines and/or neuropeptides and pain. We did not restrict the years of publication. All studies were accessed through either the University of Kentucky, Albany Medical College or Emory University's system.

Cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10 may play a role in the biochemistry of spinal pain.