Translational Pain Research

Summary Science Features

Pain is a universal problem that economically and socially impacts the individual, the family and, in turn, the community. Chronic pain patients often suffer from multiple related problems that adversely impact their quality of life and their ability to fully participate in society. Pain research is as necessary for the individual as it is for the community to progress.

The Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Translational Pain Research is devoted to translational research on pain mechanisms and pain management. This research center is one of a few centers nationwide that combine both clinical and preclinical pain research. 

The clinical research unit is located at 101 Merrimac Street, Boston, about a block from the Mass General main campus. It includes two examination rooms, a reception area with eight seats, a conference room, and several offices. The Center has access to the Mass General chemistry lab and other medical facilities such as MRI and fMRI.

The preclinical research unit is located at the Mass General East research facility in Charlestown, MA, about 2 miles away from the Mass General main campus. This unit occupies a lab space of about 2,000 square feet. The laboratory is equipped with a variety of neuroscience research tools.

Both preclinical and clinical research units are currently funded by several RO1 grants from National Institutes of Health and grants from other extramural sources.