Pain Relief Gets an Energy Boost

Mitochondria, our cellular “power plants,” could ease nerve pain in a new way

The below is a summary of a story that originally appeared on the Duke University School of Medicine website.

Scientists at Duke University School of Medicine may have found a new way to tackle chronic nerve pain: by fixing the energy supply inside damaged nerve cells. This breakthrough could help people suffering from nerve complications caused by diabetes or chemotherapy, where even a gentle touch can hurt.

Nerve cells depend on tiny powerhouses called mitochondria to function. When these fail, pain signals spike, and healing stalls. Instead of just blocking pain, Duke researchers focused on repairing the cells themselves.

Here’s the twist: Nearby support cells, called satellite glial cells, can share healthy mitochondria with struggling nerve cells through microscopic tubes. This energy boost helps nerves recover and reduces pain.

Duke designed lab experiments to enhance this natural process in a way that provided pain relief sometimes lasting up to 48 hours in mice.

Their work opens the door to treatments that restore nerve health rather than just masking pain signals. More research is needed, but lead researcher Ru-Rong Ji said, “This approach has the potential to ease pain in a completely new way.” 

To learn more about this research into chronic nerve pain, read the full story on the Duke University School of Medicine website.