1.   Another popular option for managing back pain is using radiofrequency to destroy the nerves that send pain messages to the brain.

2.   At that point, the receptor and neurotransmitter move together inside the neuron, switching it on and allowing the pain message to keep moving.

3.   But that can lead to loss of motor function or sensation, and sometimes the spinal cord manages to rewire itself to once again let the pain messages through.

4.   In chronic pain, nerves send pain messages spontaneously without being stimulated by an external source, such as a sharp needle.

5.   In the hope of understanding more about pain perception, researchers are studying changes in spinal cord neurons that transmit pain messages to the brain.

6.   The element also helps block pain messages from being sent and received along the nervous system.

7.   The novel method involves delivery of a toxic compound directly to those nerve cells that transmit pain messages up the spinal cord to the brain.

8.   There are also pacemaker-like devices implanted near nerves that create a buzzing sensation to drown out pain messages.