Many of the diseases within the NIAMS research mission cause pain, disability, or disfigurement. Pain, both acute and chronic, can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. However, critical knowledge gaps remain, including: the mechanisms of pain; the outcome measures, biomarkers, and treatment options that can prevent or alleviate pain; and measures that can improve health in populations suffering from pain.

The FY2025 NIAMS Congressional Justification is the annual presentation to Congress that justifies the entire NIAMS budget request and reflects the continuing mission to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.