Pain is one of the most reported symptoms and one of the most common reasons individuals seek medical care.
It is frequently comorbid with a variety of medical and psychiatric conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, infectious disease, autoimmune disorders, mood disorders, and substance use. When poorly managed, pain can contribute to worse overall health outcomes, including increased disability, greater healthcare utilization, and reduced quality of life. Chronic pain is heavily influenced by the interplay of biological, psychological and social factors, including inflammation, central sensitization, cognitive and emotional processes, social support, behavioral health, and environmental stressors. Chronic pain may not always have an identifiable pathophysiological cause or associated medical condition. In these cases, chronic pain can present as a primary diagnosis, such as fibromyalgia, where altered central pain processing leads to widespread pain without clear evidence of tissue damage or inflammation. To improve patient outcomes, it is essential to evaluate pain within the context of diverse clinical populations, identify modifiable risk and resilience factors, and tailor treatment approaches that reflect multifaceted nature of the pain experience.
Our faculty are leading efforts to advance the understanding and treatment of chronic pain using state-of-the-art research methodologies. We integrate quantitative sensory testing (QST) with psychological and behavioral assessments to examine the mechanisms underlying pain sensitivity, central sensitization, and the cognitive and emotional processes that shape the pain experience. We also investigate biological markers of pain, including systemic inflammatory markers, to better understand how physiological processes contribute to individual differences in pain perception, chronicity, and functionality. Our work includes developing and testing novel interventions designed to improve both pain and functional outcomes. We study a range of clinical populations including individuals with HIV, chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and other persistent pain conditions. We also give particular attention to the role of comorbidities such as mood disorders, sleep disorders, and substance use in shaping pain trajectories. In parallel, we investigate how social and structural factors contribute to disparities in pain outcomes and access to care. Our research is grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration with strong partnerships across departments and clinical programs at UAB, allowing us to examine pain in diverse settings and translate our findings into more equitable and effective approaches to pain management.
Leadership
M. Alec Owens, Ph.D.
Program Lead
Assistant Professor
maowens1@uab.edu