LECTURE 1 · Muskuloskeletal pain
Introduction: Concept of the course.
LECTURE 2 · Anatomy structure and response properties of nociceptors in joint muscle and fascia
Will give an overview on nociceptors in joint, muscle, and fascia (anatomy, structure, response properties), and their ion channels and receptors.
LECTURE 3 · Molecular mechanisms of nociceptor activation and sensitization
Will show how sensory neurons are sensitized and contribute to mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia.
LECTURE 4 · Neurons in the central nervous system which process input from the musculoskeletal system
Will give an overview on central nociceptive pathways (spinal cord, brain) in which nociceptive information from the nociceptors in joint, muscle, and fascia is processed, and it will address synaptic mechanisms of nociception.
LECTURE 5 · Central changes of pain processing. Central sensitization. Central atrophy
Will show how sensory neurons in the central nervous system are sensitized and contribute to mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia.
LECTURE 6 · Mechanisms of pain in osteoarthritis OA and rheumatoid arthritis RA. Role of inflammation
Will address the role of inflammation in OA and RA pain generation.
LECTURE 7 · Mechanisms of pain in osteoarthritis OA and rheumatoid arthritis RA. Role of cartilage and bone destruction
Will discuss the contribution of cartilage and bone destruction to musculoskeletal pain.
LECTURE 8 · Mechanisms of pain in osteoarthritis OA and rheumatoid arthritis RA. Role of neuropathic mechanisms
Will address the potential contribution of nerve damage to musculoskeletal pain.
LECTURE 9 · Neurogenic inflammation in joint diseases.
Will show how primary sensory neurons produce a neurogenic component to inflammation of the musculoskeletal system.
LECTURE 10 · Effect of the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous system on inflammation
Will show how the sympathetic and the parasympathetic system can influence musculoskeletal diseases.
LECTURE 11 · Comorbidities in musculoskeletal pain with particular emphasis on osteoarthritis
Diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, depression and others. Will show how comorbidities can aggravate musculoskeletal diseases and musculoskeletal pain.
LECTURE 12 · Pharmacological treatment options of musculoskeletal pain
Will show how drugs can reduce musculoskeletal pain.
LECTURE 13 · Non pharmacological treatment approaches of musculoskeletal pain
Will discuss how physiotherapy and other non-pharmacological treatments might reduce musculoskeletal pain.
