Force Based Manipulation: Mechanisms of Pain Relief and Neurophysiological Regulation

Neuropathic pain, resulting from disturbances within the somatosensory system, affects millions worldwide, significantly impacting quality of life, productivity, and overall social well-being. Despite substantial advances, treatment efficacy remains inconsistent, and many patients experience limited symptom relief. Recent research has shown promise in manual and physical techniques, specifically those using mechanical force-based manipulations, including manual therapy, spinal adjustments, instrument-assisted methods, and other targeted mechanical approaches. Emerging studies suggest that such force-based interventions may not only alleviate clinical symptoms but also influence neuronal modulation, nerve regeneration, inflammatory pathways, neurophysiological function, and pain processing mechanisms. However, the precise underlying biological mechanisms and specific neuronal pathways mediating these therapeutic benefits remain incompletely understood, highlighting the urgency and importance for in-depth research in this innovative field.This Research Topic focuses on exploring the mechanisms underlying pain relief associated with force-based manipulations and understanding their role in neurophysiological regulation related to neuropathic pain. Although clinical reports suggest therapeutic benefits, critical questions remain unanswered about how these manipulations affect neurophysiological function at molecular, cellular, and systems levels. This collection seeks to close these knowledge gaps by addressing essential questions such as:- What specific cellular and molecular pathways are modulated by mechanical force in the nervous system?-How do different types and intensities of manipulation influence central, peripheral, or segmental neuronal sensitization, or alterations in neurophysiological function?-Can force-based manipulation promote nerve healing or regeneration, and if so, what is the underlying mechanism?-How can patient phenotyping and genotyping inform individualized manipulation strategies to optimize balance between efficacy (pain reduction) and potential adverse effects?We welcome studies employing experimental animal models, human clinical trials, advanced imaging techniques, electrophysiology, biochemistry, biomechanics, computational modeling, or innovative diagnostic technologies. Collectively, insights from these studies can guide evidence-based improvements in clinical practice, supportive strategies for neuropathic pain management, and encourage further investigation into personalized and precision-based treatments.Authors are encouraged to submit high-quality manuscripts addressing force-based manipulation and neuropathic pain from various perspectives. We particularly invite submissions of:- Original Research Articles- Systematic Reviews and Mini-Reviews- Perspectives and Opinion Pieces- Clinical Case Series and Reports- Methodological InnovationsRelevant topics and areas include, but are not limited to:- Identification of novel neuronal targets and pathways affected by mechanical force-based manipulations.- Cellular and molecular signaling mechanisms induced by force-based interventions.- Central, peripheral, and segmental neuronal sensitization modulation, and/or alterations in neurophysiological function.- Effects of manual therapies and instrument-assisted techniques on neuropathic pain etiology and neuropathy-associated syndromes, and/or alterations in neurophysiological function. - Personalized and phenotype/genotype-informed force-based treatment strategies.- Endogenous pain modulation mediated by mechanical stimuli.- Safety, adverse effects, and benefit-harm relationships associated with mechanical manipulation treatments.We encourage submissions closely aligned with the scope as defined by the Neuropathic Pain section of Frontiers in Pain Research. Articles must offer insights that advance the understanding of mechanisms, diagnosis, epidemiology, symptomatology, and treatment of neuropathic pain specifically related to force-based manipulation. Topic editors: Mary F Barbe, Damian Keter Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76421/force-based-manipulation-mechanisms-of-pain-relief-and-neurophysiological-regulation