The present invention relates to a method of using a TAFA4 protein or an agonist thereof for preventing, alleviating or treating pain in a subject. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating pain in a subject by administering a TAFA4 protein or an agonist thereof to the subject. The TAFA4 can have the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 or a sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2. The TAFA4 agonist can also be a peptide comprising 10 to 60 consecutive amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2. Also described herein are pharmaceutical compositions, their preparation and uses as well as methods for preventing, alleviating or treating pain using such compounds and compositions.