Targeting the endocannabinoid system for the management of low back pain
Mary A Hopkins 1, Brian E McGuire 2, David P Finn 3
- 1Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Centre for Pain Research, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
- 2Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Centre for Pain Research, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
- 3Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Centre for Pain Research, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland. Electronic address: david.finn@universityofgalway.ie.
Affiliationer
Low back pain (LBP) is a major unmet clinical need. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for pain, including LBP. This review examines the evidence for the ECS as a therapeutic target for LBP. While preclinical studies demonstrate the potential of the ECS as a viable therapeutic target, clinical trials have presented conflicting findings. This review underscores the need for innovative LBP treatments and biomarkers and proposes the ECS as a promising avenue for their exploration. A deeper mechanistic understanding of the ECS in LBP could inform the development of new pain management strategies.