An investigation of the endocannabinoid system in low back pain

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a highly prevalent and debilitating condition, consistently listed among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Despite progress in treatment interventions, a significant proportion of individuals with CLBP still remain unresponsive to current therapies, highlighting the urgent need for novel approaches to understanding its underlying mechanisms and improving treatment outcomes. Alterations within the endocannabinoid system (ECS) are known to be associated with the pathophysiology of CLBP, therefore targeting the ECS could offer a promising avenue for developing effective biomarkers and/or therapeutics for CLBP. This thesis investigates the role of the ECS in the development and severity of CLBP using a translational research context, incorporating both preclinical studies employing a rodent model of intervertebral disc injury (IVDI)-induced low back pain and a clinical study in human patients with CLBP.

Publisher

University of Galway

Rights

CC BY-NC-ND

cbn

Collections

University of Galway Theses (PhD Theses)