Abstract: Methods of alleviating or prophylactically blocking pain through the alteration of certain metabolic pathways in a subject experiencing pain or expecting to experience pain are disclosed. In particular, methods of increasing the amount of the neutral amino acid transporter ASCT2 in neurons are disclosed. Increased glutamine uptake by neurons leads to reduced extrusion of lactate and protons into the extracellular space and by extension, reduced sensitization of the neurons. Reduced sensitization of the neurons lessens the feeling of pain in the subject.