Targeting the endocannabinoid system for the management of low back pain.

Low back pain (LBP) is a major unmet clinical need. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for pain, including LBP. This review examines the evidence for the ECS as a therapeutic target for LBP. While preclinical studies demonstrate the potential of the ECS as a viable therapeutic target, clinical trials have presented conflicting findings. This review underscores the need for innovative LBP treatments and biomarkers and proposes the ECS as a promising avenue for their exploration. A deeper mechanistic understanding of the ECS in LBP could inform the development of new pain management strategies. Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Citation

Mary A Hopkins, Brian E McGuire, David P Finn. Targeting the endocannabinoid system for the management of low back pain. Current opinion in pharmacology. 2024 Apr;75:102438

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PMID: 38401317

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