Housed in the Anesthesiology Department at the University of Michigan Medical School, researchers at the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center have been central in establishing that systemic conditions and regional pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, and post-deployment syndromes all have common pathogenic and clinical features.

They are particularly focused on central nervous system contributions to these chronic pain conditions, as well as how peripheral and central factors together lead to the experience of pain.

They use a wide range of research methods to study the underlying mechanisms of chronic pain conditions and are leaders in identifying and developing better treatments for individuals with chronic pain. Along with more traditional research approaches, the center is at the heart of research in non-pharmacological therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapies, exercise, and acupuncture, as well as in performing early testing of new pharmacological therapies and medical devices, including medical cannabis and CBD.