Highlights•Lack of CX3CR1impairs DRG monocyte infiltration and modulates macrophage phenotype.•The peptide CGRP in DRG sensory neuron increases at peak inflammatory allodynia.•Olcegepant prevents leukocytes recruitment in paws and DRG and allodynia.•CGRP liberates CX3CR1ligand fractalkine from HUVEC.•Fractalkine releases pronociceptive IL-6 from primary macrophages.