Nociplastic pain

Nociplastic Pain

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Diagram showing widespread pain index areas.

Nociplastic pain is a type of pain that arises from altered nociception despite no clear evidence of actual or threatened tissue damage causing the activation of peripheral nociceptors or evidence of disease or lesion of the somatosensory system causing the pain. This concept is crucial in understanding chronic pain conditions that do not fit neatly into the categories of nociceptive pain or neuropathic pain.

Characteristics

Nociplastic pain is characterized by:

• Widespread pain
• Sensitivity to touch
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances

These symptoms are often seen in conditions such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Mechanisms

The mechanisms underlying nociplastic pain involve changes in the way the central nervous system processes pain signals. This can include:

• Central sensitization
• Altered pain modulation
• Dysfunctional pain inhibitory pathways

These changes can lead to an increased perception of pain even in the absence of a clear peripheral cause.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing nociplastic pain involves a comprehensive assessment of the patient's symptoms and medical history. The Widespread Pain Index is often used to evaluate the extent of pain across different body regions.

Treatment

Treatment of nociplastic pain typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including:

• Pharmacological treatments such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants
• Non-pharmacological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and physical therapy
• Lifestyle modifications, including exercise and stress management

Related Pages

• Chronic pain
• Central sensitization
• Fibromyalgia
• Pain management