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Do You Have Neuroplastic Pain?

The following are positive indicators of neuroplastic pain. The more indicators you have, the more likely that your pain/symptoms are neuroplastic. 

  • The symptoms begin without a physical injury or persist after an injury has healed.

  • The symptoms move or spread to various locations in the body.

  • Symmetrical symptoms (mirror image left/right side)

  • Sensations of tingling, burning, hot/cold, numb, electric.

  • Inconsistent symptoms - change with time/location/specific activities

  • Symptoms occur after, but not during an activity.

  • Symptoms occur when you think about them or someone asks you about them.

  • Symptoms began during a stressful period of time. 

  • Symptoms get worse when you are stressed/get better when you are engaged in a joyful activity.

  • Doctors have not been able to give a reasonable, consistent explanation for your symptoms.

  • Symptoms in multiple parts of the body at the same time.  

  • Symptoms are triggered by things that have nothing to do with the symptoms: foods, smells, changes in weather, light.

  • Symptoms are triggered by light touch, wind or cold.  

Certain personality traits and conditions also make it more likely that you are suffering from neuroplastic pain:

  • Perfectionistic

  • People pleaser

  • Self critical 

  • History of anxiety or depression 

  • History of adverse childhood experiences (even mild traumas)

  • Family history of chronic pain

If you have any of the following symptoms or have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, Pain Reprocessing Therapy can help reduce, and possibly eliminate your symptoms:

  • Migraines/tension headaches

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Back pain

  • Neck pain

  • Whiplash

  • Knee pain

  • Patellofemoral syndrome

  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome

  • Trigeminal Neuralgia

  • Globus sensation

  • Chronic abdominal and pelvic pain syndromes

  • Chronic tendonitis (in any joint)

  • Piriformis syndrome

  • Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

  • Foot pain syndromes

  • Myofascial pain syndrome

  • Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)

  • Insomnia

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

  • Paresthesias (numbness, tingling, burning)

  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

  • Dizziness

  • Eczema

  • Pudendal Neuralgia

  • Vulvodynia

  • Irritable bowel syndrome

  • Interstitial cystitis (Irritable bladder syndrome, IBS)

  • Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

  • Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) or Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

  • Burning chest pain (resembles acid reflux)

  • Hypersensitivity syndromes (to touch, sound, smells, foods, medications)

  • Restless Leg Syndrome

This list has been compiled by physicians David Clarke, MD, and David Schechter, MD, at the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association.


 

 

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