Pain Science in Practice (Part 4): Central Sensitization I

SYNOPSIS: Central sensitization is an umbrella term for facilitated synaptic plasticity. This editorial (1) explains the differences between homosynaptic and heterosynaptic plasticity, (2) explains the role of glia cells in dorsal horn neuroplasticity, and (3) briefly discusses the clinical relevance of central sensitization and nociplastic pain. Part 5 covers wind-up, classical central sensitization, and long-term potentiation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(1):1-4. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11569.