The research in our laboratory is focused on identifying mechanisms that are associated with voluntary movement and pain processing. We have developed human neuroimaging paradigms that combine acute experimental pain with precise voluntary movements and we are now beginning to translate these paradigms to patient cohorts. The central nervous system plays an important role in musculoskeletal pain and our work is focused on the pathophysiology that underlies disorders such as osteoarthritis and temporomandibular disorder. We use a range of advanced neuroimaging techniques to pin point the brain networks that contribute to musculoskeletal pain so that these brain networks can be better targeted to alleviate pain and restore movement.
Research Highlights:
- Conducting functional and structural imaging studies of motor and pain networks
- Published in Cerebral Cortex, Pain and Neuroimage in the past few years
- Lab is funded by the NIH and AHA