Nociplastic Pain
Pain that is generated by altered central nervous system processing rather than tissue damage or nerve injury. Fibromyalgia is classified as a nociplastic pain condition.
Overview
Nociplastic pain refers to pain generated by altered central nervous system processing, representing a shift in understanding chronic pain conditions.
Detailed Description
Nociplastic pain is pain that arises from changes in how the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) processes pain signals, rather than from tissue damage (nociceptive pain) or nerve injury (neuropathic pain). This category recognizes that chronic pain can be real and significant even when no tissue damage is present. Fibromyalgia is now classified as a nociplastic pain condition. This understanding helps explain why pain conditions may co-occur with conditions affecting nervous system regulation, such as ADHD and autism.
How This Relates to ADHD
The concept of nociplastic pain helps explain why chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia frequently co-occur with ADHD and autism. All involve altered central nervous system processing and may share overlapping regulatory mechanisms.
Treatment and Management
Treatment for nociplastic pain focuses on addressing central nervous system processing through medications (like certain antidepressants or anticonvulsants), therapies that support nervous system regulation, stress management, and approaches that reduce pain amplification.
Examples
- •Pain that persists without identifiable tissue damage
- •Pain that is amplified by stress or emotional factors
Take Action
Understanding Nociplastic Pain is just the beginning. Take our free ADHD assessment or explore diagnosis options in your area.
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