Does the Body Become More Sensitive to Pain with Chronic Pain?
For many people, chronic pain is a constant companion. They may experience pain from a variety of causes, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. But for people with chronic pain, the body may become even more sensitive to pain over time. This condition is known as central sensitization, and it can cause the body to feel more pain even when there is no physical cause.
Central Sensitization is a condition in which the central nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain signals. This can cause a person to feel more pain than they would normally feel, even when there is no physical cause. The body may become more sensitive to pain signals due to changes in the nervous system, injury, inflammation, or long-term stress.
Causes of Central Sensitization can include injury, inflammation, or long-term stress. Injury to the nerves, such as a pinched nerve, can cause the nerves to become more sensitive to pain signals. Inflammation can also cause the nerves to become more sensitive. Long-term stress can cause the body to produce hormones that can make the body more sensitive to pain.
Symptoms of Central Sensitization can include increased sensitivity to pain, even when there is no physical cause. People with central sensitization may also experience a heightened sensitivity to touch, temperature, and light. They may also experience a wide range of other symptoms, such as fatigue, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
Treatment for Central Sensitization can involve a combination of medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids can help reduce pain. Other medications, such as antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs, can help reduce the body's sensitivity to pain. Physical therapy and other forms of exercise can help strengthen the body and reduce pain. Stress reduction can also help reduce the body's sensitivity to pain.
Central sensitization is a condition in which the body becomes more sensitive to pain signals. It can be caused by injury, inflammation, or long-term stress. Symptoms of central sensitization include increased sensitivity to pain, even when there is no physical cause, as well as heightened sensitivity to touch, temperature, and light. Treatment for central sensitization can involve medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.