About Us
Who we are
The Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary center where nationally-renowned clinicians and investigators conduct research on the mechanisms and most effective treatments of chronic pain and fatigue syndromes, including related conditions or illnesses that occur after exposure to war (e.g., Gulf War Illnesses) or stress.
We examine the role that the nervous system, brain and mind play in chronic pain and fatigue syndromes, and our goal is to continue this cutting-edge research and use its findings to:
- Expand, support and continue multidisciplinary research in chronic pain and fatigue syndromes at the University of Michigan
- Improve identification and diagnosis of chronic pain and fatigue syndrome mechanisms
- Develop interventions and treatments for the symptomatic components of these illnesses
- Enhance the understanding of clinicians, researchers and patients in chronic pain and fatigue syndromes, including related illnesses that occur after exposure to war or stress
- Develop programs that enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from these illnesses
What we believe
At present, there is no known cure for the chronic illnesses we study and we strongly believe that the success of current treatment(s) lies as much in the hands of the patient as it does in the hands of the health care provider. This philosophy is why we use medications to improve symptoms, as well as exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy to improve function.
What we do
From mechanistic studies to clinical trials and the development of new models of care for chronic pain patients, the CPFRC uses a multidisciplinary approach to examine the role that central nervous system dysfunction plays in chronic pain and fatigue syndromes, and we extend those findings into the realm of treatment. Our primary focus is conducting research that leads to treatment programs which result in better overall management of these conditions.
How we do it
The CPFRC provides educational opportunities for patients and health care providers through this Web site, participation in research studies, presentations at scientific and patient conferences, studies and articles published in peer-reviewed scientific and patient-advocacy journals, and timely press releases distributed to various news outlets.
Internally, we continue to educate ourselves by attending lectures given by faculty and researchers from our team, other U-M divisions and invited external speakers. In addition, we encourage junior faculty from U-M and elsewhere to become involved in this field.
Who funds our work
We are devoted to maintaining a well-rounded portfolio of both scientific projects and sponsorship. We seek funding from a variety of sources so we can explore all aspects of these illnesses - development, mechanisms and treatment. Currently, our research funding is provided by federal agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense, industry sponsors and private donors, such as the Shane family. In addition, the University of Michigan provides a tremendous environment and source of support for our work.
Our Mission Statement
The Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center examines the role that the nervous system, brain, and mind play in chronic pain and fatigue syndromes. The Center's goal is to continue in state-of-the-art research and use its findings to:
- expand, support, and continue multi-disciplinary research in chronic pain and fatigue syndromes at the University of Michigan.
improve identification and diagnosis of chronic pain and fatigue syndrome mechanisms. - develop interventions and treatments for the symptomatic components of these illnesses.
- enhance the understanding of clinicians, researchers, and patients in chronic pain and fatigue syndromes, including related illnesses that occur after exposure to war or stress.
- develop programs that enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from these illnesses.
Our History
The Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center was established in 1999 at Georgetown University to study overlapping conditions such as Gulf War Illness, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity. Daniel J. Clauw, M.D., served as the Center's director, as well as Chief of the Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy. Richard Gracely, Ph.D., served as Center co-director and was Chief of the Clinical Measurement and Mechanisms Unit of the Pain and Neurosensory Mechanisms Branch of the National Institutes of Health. David Williams, Ph.D, , served as Center co-director and also as Division Chief of Behavioral Medicine within the Department of Psychiatry at Georgetown University.
In 2001, Clauw, Gracely, Williams and a number of their colleagues from Georgetown University and the National Institutes of Health accepted an offer to move the Center to the University of Michigan, a move that was completed in 2002..
Since moving to the U-M, Clauw has assembled a critical mass of researchers who are interested in studying pain mechanisms, psychological co-morbidities and treatments (both innovative and gold standard) under an umbrella organization.
Over the past few years, Clauw, Gracely and Williams have developed numerous collaborations with faculty from various divisions and departments throughout the Medical School and the University, as well as outside of U-M, to facilitate the type of interdisciplinary team science encouraged by the U-M and governing bodies such as the NIH.
The CPFRC is particularly committed to training young investigators in this field of research. As such, the Center’s senior faculty members mentor junior faculty to promote their development as researchers and clinicians .
From its depth of interdisciplinary research, education and training, the Center's faculty and staff are committed to being the leading program in scientific research in the mechanisms and treatments of chronic pain and fatigue syndromes. The development of multiple research projects and interdisciplinary productivity at Michigan attests to this commitment - a commitment that has resulted in research receiving national and international publicity.
