Study of Brain Activity and Pain Relief Using Different Colored Light in Adults with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Healthy Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how light affects pain relief by studying the brain activity of people with chronic musculoskeletal pain and healthy individuals. The study focuses on understanding the connections between visual brain areas and parts of the brain that sense pain. They will also examine how different colored lights change brain activation patterns, especially during pressure pain, to better understand light-driven pain relief mechanisms. Participants will be exposed to different light stimuli during MRI scans, including equal energy white light, static green light, and an S-cone modulating visual stimulus. Before scanning, each participant will undergo sensory testing to measure pain sensitivity and conditioned pain modulation. A pressure cuff will be used to apply pain at a consistent level during imaging. The scanning session includes resting state scans and functional imaging of brain responses to the light and pain stimuli. During the study, participants will have pain assessments after each scan block to track pain levels. Researchers will analyze brain imaging data to study functional connectivity and brain activation patterns related to light and pain stimuli. The study will also collect sensory testing data before scanning to explore pain thresholds and responses. Participants will be involved in assessments, MRI scans lasting about an hour, and pre-scan pain testing, with the study continuing until 2030.

Neural Mechanisms of Light Driven Analgesia