Prevalence of Central Sensitization in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Disorders

Abstract

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is a leading cause of work absenteeism and increased costs for employers
and the health care systems. It may emanate from activation of peripheral nociceptors due to tissue damage, but
when the perception of pain persists beyond the expected time for tissue healing, it has become chronic. Central
Sensitization (CS) is an important mechanism involved in chronic pain conditions causing amplified responses to
noxious and innocuous inputs. Despite the association of CS in Chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders (CMPDs),
the evidence regarding prevalence of CS in CMPDs is lacking.
Methodology: A descriptive study to document prevalence of CS in CMPDs was conducted among 190 participants
with age group 18-65 years. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) was used to determine severity of CS in
chronic pain.
Results and Conclusions: The mean CSI score for the whole sample was 26.28±13.32 and the prevalence of CS was
highest among participants with shoulder pain (28.6%) followed by leg pain (25%) and back pain (23.1%). In clinical
practice, modification of life style factors and improving quality of life in patients with chronic musculoskeletal
pain could be instrumental in mediating management strategies of CS in addition to pharmacological treatment.