Chronic back pain can be debilitating, and it's a common problem. Those who experience chronic pain in their back or elsewhere might find relief for it soon.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge, located in England, have identified a gene, called HCN2, that is said to be responsible for causing chronic pain. In their tests, they removed this gene from nerves in mice, resulting in a halt to chronic pain while having no effect on acute pain.

After removing the HCN2 gene from the mice, the researchers reportedly tested to see if the mice would still feel neuropathic pain, which is pained caused by damaged nerves. It is this condition that can be attributed to chronic pain in one's back and elsewhere.

Genetically modified mice were exposed to pain stimuli, and based on how quickly the mice retreated from the stimuli, researchers could tell if the removal of the HCN2 had done away with neuropathic pain. It showed that the pain had indeed ceased.

The HCN2 gene is hardly a new medical study, but through this recent work, scientists are just now discovering its effect on chronic pain, according to an article in the Toronto Sun.

Removing the gene could prove to be a more effective way of reducing or eliminating chronic pain than the use of the drugs currently on the market. The ineffective drugs we have now sometimes leave individuals to suffer literally a lifetime of pain, with little to no relief.

Source: Toronto Sun, "Gene find good news for back pain sufferers," Sept. 10, 2011