European journal of pain : EJP
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While neuroimmune interactions are increasingly recognized as important in nociceptive processing, the nature and functional significance of these interactions is not well defined. There are multiple reports that the activation of spinal microglia is a critical event in the generation of neuropathic pain behaviors but the mediators of this activation remain disputed. ⋯ An essential role for spinal CCL2 is demonstrated by the inhibition of neuropathic pain behavior and microglial activation by a specific neutralising antibody to CCL2 administered intrathecally. Thus, the neuronal expression of CCL2 provides a mechanism for immune activation, which in turn regulates the sensitivity of pain signaling systems in neuropathic pain states.
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Walking is fundamental to many activities that are detrimentally affected by chronic pain. When in pain, people adapt how they walk. This article reports the development of an observational rating scale for the assessment of the quality of walking in adults with chronic pain called the Bath Assessment of Walking Inventory. ⋯ Validity was established in comparison with well-used measures of functioning. Further independent study is required to develop this instrument. A robust measure of walking will enable accurate clinical assessment, and the investigation of psychosocial and biomechanical influences on walking quality, and of the communicative function of pain related movement.