Somewhat technically speaking, this phenomena is often described as the increased responsiveness of our central nervous system to normal or subthreshold input [1]. What does this mean? Essentially, the electrical circuity in our bodies that responds to pain is enhanced and super excitable, this is typically a result of long term activation. The pain response system is enhanced to the point where external triggers that shouldn’t cause pain, do cause pain. And the duration is often seemingly unending. Ultimately this lends to a reduction of our pain threshold, and an increase in pain hypersensitivity (hyper= extra sensitive)
Simple sensory inputs, like touch or pressure, can be amplified like crazy. For me, an ingrown hair sometimes feels like a nail 2 inches deep, the crotch of my jeans can feel like a bowling ball nesting on my vulvar.
BUT, it is important to keep in mind that pain is in the brain. Just because ‘everything’ hurts, doesn’t mean you’re broken. Nor does this mean, ‘its in your head’, it’s real to your mind, the seat of perception. The electrical nerve signals coming from your body is normal, however our conditions have led to this situation wherein the mind is interpreting the signal as pain. Scientifically speaking, peripheral neurons are functioning normally, the change is in function of central neurons only.
Physical and psychological therapies, i.e. the use of magnesium, or brain training programmes, can help to de-centralize sensitization.
Central desensitization is essentially a rectification of central sensitization. An ‘indicator’ of this phenomena I have experienced is when a chronic pain locality reflects on the opposite side of my body. Often this is the product of brain training coupled with a build-up of consistency with select physical rehabilitation therapies.
Using therapies that assist the body, and techniques that function to increase neuroplasticity, the brain can become more flexible and learn to adapt and respond to pain differently over time. With awareness on the experience of pain, we can weaken the neuro electrical pain networks to mitigate sensitization. With manual therapies, we can aid the body in this process.
- International Association for the Study of Pain. Part III: Pain Terms, A Current List with Definitions and Notes on Usage. Classification of Chronic Pain, 2, pp 209-214