Ye AL, Sudek EW, Magdaleno D, Roldan CJ. Diagnostic and therapeutic value of intracellular biomarker testing in chronic pain.
Pain Manag 2024;
14:21-27. [PMID:
38193288 DOI:
10.2217/pmt-2023-0080]
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Abstract
Aim: Micronutrient and metabolic compound supplementation as a method of treating chronic pain is not well understood. Case: A 58 year-old woman presented with refractory painful neuropathy. She did not respond to conservative treatment and was seeking spinal cord stimulator implantation. She underwent a biomarker panel that revealed low intracellular levels of multiple compounds. As she supplemented her deficiencies, her symptoms fully resolved, and the implant was no longer indicated. Discussion: Micronutrient and metabolic compound testing could potentially expand non-invasive treatment options for patients with refractory chronic pain. Caution should be exercised given limited regulatory oversight in the supplement industry and actively ongoing nutritional research. Conclusion: Biomarker testing panels may be a useful adjunct in the management of refractory neuropathic pain.
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