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We explored CSS in a previous post. Let's take a deeper look at its impact.
People with chronic pain and other chronic symptoms may have a central nervous system that has become sensitized over time. Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS) can be described as a louder message from the body to a more sensitive receiver in the brain. When you have sensitization, your body overreacts to sensory signals as if they are dangerous. This can result in worsening of symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea or other movement related challenges. The long-term consequences of this upregulated system can include:
- Physical deconditioning
- Emotional distress
- Increased reliance on medications to feel better
- Increased frequency of treatments or interventions
- Decreased functioning
- Decreased quality of life
What is the best approach to address these consequences?
Unfortunately, there is no way to turn back the clock and “un-sensitize” your nervous system. Patients are often left feeling frustrated by the lack of effective treatments.
In the Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Center (PRC) program, patients learn lifestyle management, stress management and physical re-conditioning strategies to improve their ability to effectively engage in their daily activities. This approach enables patients to not only improve their functioning, but in time can also lead to improvement in symptoms as well.
Some examples of functional improvement for our PRC graduates:
- Travel: local and international
- Vocation: Work, school or volunteering
- Family life and caregiving
- Leisure and recreational activities: crafts, reading, kayaking, hiking
- Community involvement and social activities
Patient outcomes also include improved mood, decreased anxiety, decreased interference from symptoms and a better perception of health.
Getting back to life is the goal and focus on function is an effective tool.
Authors: Kyle Bovee DPT, Tanya Crowder OTR/L and Elke Lacayo OTR/L
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I suffer from multiple sources of chronic pain and my pain manager has recommended this porgram. But,my understanding of the program is that it's 3 weeks, 8 to 5. I am almost 76 and rest every day from 12 to 2 and 8 to 5 is just too long a day for me. Is this information correct and is there any flexibility?
Thank you.
Holly
I have a similar problem. I can’t sit for long. Are there adaptive aids to help?
We understand this schedule can seem overwhelming when you are not accustomed to this level of activity. The structure of the program is Monday through Friday, 8-4:30. The day is set up to include a variety of activity with opportunity for rest breaks throughout the day. Our patients have found that this structure allows for full participation in the program despite their challenges.
Thank you for your question @laura1970. For patients that experience challenges with sitting for long periods of time, our team provides a plan to help them gradually increase their sitting ability.
I find this dubious. I have been through PT numerous times. When I say I can’t sit for long, I mean I can’t sit comfortably for 20 minutes. I don’t think you can miraculously fix it. What was I wondering was if your program could accommodate it.
I had the same problem with any amount of sitting. I was allowed to stand as needed. I was also allowed a device for raising my feet that I use sometimes. The breaks are helpful and at the beginning of the program, I was assured by the end of 3 weeks I would be able to sit through an entire day and they were right!
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