The human mind is a highly diverse and yet adaptable system. 

 

This discovery of the incredible neuroplasticity of our brains, has taught us that the entire central nervous system is highly adaptable. It is important to recognize and remember that our nervous systems can essentially learn anything it practices! 

 

What does this mean for persistent pain?

 

This incredible adaptability of the nervous system is also part of what causes people to get stuck in the pain cycle. When pain persists after a normal 3 to 6 month window, it is considered to have more involvement of the mind’s central nervous system and to be more effectively treated as a complex syndrome and to have elements of a MindBody disorder. 

 

The fact that it is considered a MindBody disorder simply means that the central nervous system is involved in the “persistent” element of the pain cycle. Central sensitization is a condition of the nervous system that is associated with the development and maintenance of persistent pain. When central sensitization occurs, the nervous system is in a persistent state of high reactivity.

 

This state of high reactivity, increases the amount of danger sensors and more nerves start to produce hormones that increase your body’s stress reactions and fight/flight/freeze responses. This increases the threshold or sensitivity level of the nervous system so that it is more on guard and can be easily triggered.