Publication
Title
Treatment of central sensitization in patients with "unexplained" chronic pain : what options do we have?
Author
Abstract
Introduction: Central sensitization accounts for chronic ``unexplained'' pain in a wide variety of disorders, including chronic whiplash-associated disorders, temporomandibular disorders, chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic tension-type headache among others. Given the increasing evidence supporting the clinical significance of central sensitization in those with unexplained chronic pain, the awareness is growing that central sensitization should be a treatment target in these patients. Areas covered: This article provides an overview of the treatment options available for desensitizing the CNS in patients with chronic pain due to central sensitization. It focuses on those strategies that specifically target pathophysiological mechanisms known to be involved in central sensitization. In addition, pharmacological options, rehabilitation and neurotechnology options are discussed. Expert opinion: Acetaminophen, serotonin-reuptake inhibitor drugs, selective and balanced serototin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor drugs, the serotonin precursor tryptophan, opioids, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonists, calcium-channel alpha(2)delta (a2δδ) ligands, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), manual therapy and stress management each target central pain processing mechanisms in animals that -- theoretically -- desensitize the CNS in humans. To provide a comprehensive treatment for ``unexplained'' chronic pain disorders characterized by central sensitization, it is advocated to combine the best evidence available with treatment modalities known to target central sensitization.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. - London
Publication
London : 2011
ISSN
1465-6566
DOI
10.1517/14656566.2011.547475
Volume/pages
12 :7 (2011) , p. 1087-1098
ISI
000289296800010
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 21.12.2012
Last edited 15.11.2022
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