Diagnostic and Therapeutic Value of Intracellular Biomarker Testing in Chronic Pain

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.

Keywords::

• chronic pain
• metabolic compounds
• micronutrients
• neuropathic pain
• peripheral neuropathy

Author contributions

CJ Roldan made substantial contributions in drafting of the final manuscript. All authors made written contributions to the final manuscript. AL Ye and CJ Roldan provided critical review of the manuscript. CJ Roldan provided final approval of the version to be published. All authors have agreed to be accountable for all aspects of work related to the accuracy and integrity of the manuscript. No writing assistance, including the use of artificial intelligence, was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Financial disclosure

The authors have no financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, stock ownership or options and expert testimony.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained written informed consent from the patient for the inclusion of their medical and treatment history within this case report.