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Peer-Reviewed · Open Access

Journal of Pain

ISSN 2996-1793 Open Access
CROSSREFOPEN ACCESSPEER-REVIEWED
DOICrossref
CC-BYOpen License
OAOpen Access
Peer-Reviewed

Aims & Scope

The Journal of Pain is a peer-reviewed, open access pain research journal published by Directive Publications, dedicated to advancing the science and clinical management of acute and chronic pain. The journal serves an interdisciplinary readership of pain scientists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists, psychologists, and clinical researchers seeking a trusted, internationally accessible venue for rigorous pain scholarship.

We publish original research, systematic and narrative reviews, case reports, and editorials spanning pain mechanisms and neurobiology, central sensitization and descending pain modulation, neuropathic and nociceptive pain, exercise-induced hypoalgesia, and the biopsychosocial dimensions of chronic pain. Submissions addressing pain assessment and measurement, conditioned pain modulation, multimodal and non-pharmacological pain management, and perioperative analgesia are particularly welcome.

The journal bridges basic, translational, and clinical pain research, emphasizing methodological rigor, reproducibility, and clinical relevance. We encourage work that connects mechanistic insight to improved patient outcomes across diverse populations and care settings.

Every submission undergoes double-blind peer review following COPE ethical principles. Accepted articles are published open access under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY 4.0) license with authors retaining copyright, and each receives a permanent Crossref DOI, ensuring discoverability through OpenAlex, Google Scholar, and our OAI-PMH endpoint.

Subject Coverage

Journal of Pain welcomes original research, reviews, and case reports across the following core areas:

Pain Mechanisms and Neurobiology
central sensitization · descending pain modulation · nociceptor signaling research · neuropathic pain mechanisms · pain chronification pathways
Chronic Pain Management
chronic pain treatment research · non-pharmacological pain management · multimodal analgesia · opioid-sparing strategies · chronic low back pain management
Exercise, Movement and Pain
exercise-induced hypoalgesia · physical activity and chronic pain · exercise prescription for pain · rehabilitation and pain modulation
Pain Assessment and Measurement
pain assessment tools · conditioned pain modulation reliability · patient-reported pain outcomes · quantitative sensory testing · pain scale validation
Acute and Perioperative Pain
acute pain management research · perioperative analgesia · postoperative pain control · regional anesthesia for pain
Psychosocial Dimensions of Pain
pain catastrophizing · biopsychosocial pain model · fear-avoidance and chronic pain · cognitive behavioral therapy for pain

Research Topics

Core subject areas published in Journal of Pain — explore related research across our journals.

Mechanical ventilation. Bone graft. Dyspnea Bronchoscopy Tracheal intubation Pain assessment Equidistant scores chronic pain Normality Exercise-induced hypoalgesia Weighted sum Pain modulation

Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics does the Journal of Pain cover?

The Journal of Pain covers the full spectrum of pain science and pain medicine, including pain mechanisms and neurobiology, central sensitization, descending pain modulation, neuropathic and nociceptive pain, exercise-induced hypoalgesia, chronic pain management, pain assessment and measurement, perioperative analgesia, and the psychosocial dimensions of chronic pain. It spans basic, translational, and clinical research.

Who should publish in or read the Journal of Pain?

The journal is aimed at pain scientists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, physiotherapists, rehabilitation and pain-medicine specialists, clinical psychologists, and graduate researchers studying acute or chronic pain. Anyone investigating pain mechanisms, assessment, or management will find relevant peer-reviewed, open access work to read and cite.

How do I submit a manuscript to the Journal of Pain?

Authors can submit original research, reviews, case reports, or editorials on any aspect of pain via the journal's submission page. Prepare your manuscript according to the author guidelines, ensure ethics and conflict-of-interest statements are complete, and our editorial team will route eligible submissions into double-blind peer review.

What types of articles does the Journal of Pain accept?

The journal accepts original research articles, systematic and narrative reviews, case reports, and editorials addressing the theoretical, methodological, translational, and applied dimensions of pain, from mechanistic studies of pain modulation to clinical trials in chronic pain management.

Is the Journal of Pain open access, and who holds copyright?

Yes. The Journal of Pain is fully open access. Every accepted article is published under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY 4.0) license, and authors retain copyright. Readers worldwide can freely access, share, and reuse the work with attribution.

What is the peer review process for the Journal of Pain?

All submissions undergo rigorous double-blind peer review in line with COPE ethical principles, where the identities of authors and reviewers are mutually concealed. This ensures impartial evaluation of pain research on its scientific and clinical merit.

Are there article-processing charges or waivers for the Journal of Pain?

As an open access journal, the Journal of Pain levies an article-processing charge only on acceptance to sustain free global access. Waivers and discounts are available; authors facing funding constraints are encouraged to request a waiver during submission.

Will my article get a DOI and be discoverable in the Journal of Pain?

Yes. Every published article receives a permanent Crossref DOI for stable citation and is made discoverable through OpenAlex, Google Scholar, and the journal's OAI-PMH endpoint. The journal is also preparing for further indexing to broaden visibility of your pain research.

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