Before And Beyond The Pain – Allostatic Load, Central Sensitivity And Their Role In Health And Function

The document discussed the role of central sensitization (CS) in chronic pain conditions, linking it to various syndromes like fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome through shared mechanisms. It emphasized the importance of recognizing CS in clinical practice, noting that it can lower pain thresholds and cause disproportionate pain responses. The paper recommended addressing both psychological and physiological stressors, termed allostatic load, for managing CS. Tools like the Allostatic Load Index and the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) were highlighted for assessing stress impact and identifying potential CS, respectively. The document also provided guidelines for differentiating between nociceptive, CS, and neuropathic pain, stressing the importance of awareness in patient care and research.