What is Central Sensitization

In central sensitization the central nervous system - the brain and spinal cord - becomes hyper-excited, effectively turning up the "volume" on pain signals. creating a cycle of amplified pain and exhaustion. It is often the underlying cause of many well-known chronic health issues, including:

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Migraines

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  • Complex Regional Pain (CRPS)

How it Happens

Central sensitization is caused by neuroplasticity, which refers to the nervous system's ability to change its structure and function. When someone experiences persistent or intense pain from an injury or inflammation, it can trigger neuroinflammation and activate specialized immune cells in the brain called glial cells. This process keeps the nerves in a state of high excitability, making them react much more strongly than they should.

Key Symptoms

Because the nervous system is "over-tuned," the symptoms go beyond just physical pain at the site of an injury:

  • Widespread Pain: The pain isn't just restricted to where you first got hurt; it can spread throughout the body.

  • Allodynia: This is when a sensation that shouldn't be painful—like the light touch of clothing or a gentle breeze—actually causes pain.

  • Hyperalgesia: This is an increased sensitivity to pain, where something slightly painful feels significantly worse.

  • Secondary Effects: Because the nervous system is working overtime, people often experience chronic fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, and "brain fog," which makes it difficult to concentrate or think clearly.

neuro-acupuncture treatment

I have treated numerous patients with IBS, migraines, fibromyalgia, and CRPS but only one who actually came with the central sensitization diagnosis. She came to see me during a ‘flare’ with severe arms and legs pain and tingling, brain fog and fatigue. The treatment principles were twofold: desensitization of the central nervous system and restoring normal functioning of brain circuits via neuroplasticity. After overcominng her acute ‘flare’ she continues with monthly treatments for maintenance.