What is the Origin of Central Nervous System Sensitization?

This concept evolved from neuroscience and pain research, particularly in the study of chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. The term highlights the critical shift in pathology from the peripheral tissues to the central processing centers of the nervous system. Clinical practice acknowledges this central mechanism to differentiate and treat persistent pain conditions that are not simply a result of ongoing tissue damage.

What is the Mechanism of Central Nervous System Sensitization?

Sensitization is fundamentally driven by the persistent release of excitatory neurotransmitters and neuropeptides at central synapses. This activity lowers the threshold for neuronal activation and increases the efficiency of synaptic transmission. Stress hormones, like cortisol, and sex hormones, like estrogen, can influence the expression of pain receptors and the activity of descending inhibitory pathways, thus either exacerbating or mitigating this centralized state of hyper-excitability.

Central Nervous System Sensitization ∞ Area

Central Nervous System Sensitization

Meaning

Central Nervous System Sensitization describes a state of heightened responsiveness in the spinal cord and brain to both painful and non-painful stimuli. This chronic alteration in neural processing leads to an amplification of pain signals, often resulting in allodynia or hyperalgesia, which can manifest as persistent discomfort disproportionate to the original injury. Hormonal fluctuations and chronic stress can significantly modulate this complex neurological phenomenon.