Brain changes...Neuroplasticity

Understanding neuroplasticity is essential to recognizing how the brain and nervous system contribute to conditions like Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS). Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt, reorganize, and form new neural connections throughout life. While this ability is crucial for learning, memory, and survival, it can also play a role in CSS when the nervous system becomes overly responsive. This increased responsiveness to stimuli causes the nervous system to become hypersensitive, amplifying symptoms even in the absence of injury or illness. By understanding neuroplasticity, we gain insight into these maladaptive processes and how they can be influenced to improve quality of life. 

At the core of neuroplasticity are neurons, the cells referred to as the building blocks that make up the nervous system. The connections between neurons can be strengthened, weakened, or rewired based on what we experience. As these changes occur, the structure of the brain physically shifts. This adaptability allows us to retain important information while letting go of what is no longer useful. For example, if you touch a hot stove and feel pain, your brain encodes that moment so you’re less likely to repeat it. This is a protective mechanism to keep you from experiencing harm in the future. 

However, neuroplasticity can also be maladaptive and causing the nervous system to remain in a heightened state of alert despite the absence of threat. Over time, these connections become more permanent as the brain’s structure physically changes. Although these physical changes cannot be undone, we can influence the amount in which communication travels on them. By intentionally engaging in behaviors that promote healthier neural pathways, we can reduce the intensity of the maladaptive connections and, therefore, utilize neuroplasticity to calm the nervous system and improve quality of life.

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