Has anyone been diagnosed with Central Pain Amplification?

Hi @sue15, central pain amplification can also be known as central sensitization, central pain syndrome, or pain amplification syndrome. @darby413 recently stared a discussion on being diagnosed and treated for central sensitization syndrome, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/central-sensitization-syndrome-and-treatment/.

@sue15, have you discussed getting new nerve tests done or asked for a referral to a second opinion?

Yes, I’m familiar with the different names. I will check out @darby413 and read what she has to say. I have GP appointment coming up in 2 weeks and I want nerve studies re-done for sure. Thank you for reaching out.

Things I do that help daily: listen to radio/music, meditate, eat healthy, walk or stretch, talk to family and our children. I got a little dog, Toby, a year ago today! My husband is very supportive. Photography out in nature brings me joy! See my good friends! I’m on medication, use Lidocaine patches and Voltaren gel on my hands. Try to find joy in every day🍁❤️🐶.

Could you share your symptoms from Central Pain Amplification? I have serious flareups, hot/cold body temps, and serious pain in different parts of my body. I have gotten weaker all over in the past 5 years. I see a GP, pain specialist, orthopedic, rheumatologist, counselor, etc. No on can explain the pain. I feel there is a more definitive diagnosis. Appreciate any of your comments. Thank you.

Hello @sue15, Did you happen to see the video in the first post of the Central sensitization syndrome and treatment? discussion shared by @rwinney? - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1043858/. Rachel also shared another discussion where members have shared their experience below the video. Just wondering if it might be helpful.

No, I will check it out! Thank you!

Hi @sue15. I'm real sorry you continue to struggle with chronic pain . Sadly when no one, meaning the medical world, can explain pain and the obvious concerns have been ruled out through testing, it generally boils down to Central Sensitization Syndrome AKA generalized pain stemming from peripheral and central nervous system malfunctions. It's a hard diagnosis to accept at first but the more you learn about it the more it will make sense to you.

Please read through the link @johnbishop reference above which is filled with good insight to pain amplification.

Perhaps working with a physical therapist who can teach you an exercise program using modification and moderation to help build up strength would be helpful. No matter how bad we hurt we have to move our bodies to prevent further deconditioning. Motion is lotion, my friend.

Have you worked with physical and/or occupational therapy yet?

@sue15
What have you been officially diagnosed with and what treatments/medications are you receiving today?

Have you been seen by a neurologist, immunologist and endocrinologist? Have you had EMG/nerve conduction studies, small fiber neuropathy skin punch biopsy, thyroid full blood panel, iron full blood panel, allergy testing, etc.?

Have you had MRIs of your cervical and lumbar spine?

@rwinney yes, quite a few pt’s and one occupationist for my hands. I appreciate your input. I do move a lot and even travelled recently but it’s those high pain days that are hard.

I would certainly be up for doing daily exercises if I could be assured they were actually helping me. Whenever I am doing any kind of exercises, my pain level ramps up even more. I would love to walk, but every step I take is excruciating. Very unpleasant. Maybe medical marijuana would help. Who knows. Five years ago I was skiing, biking 40 to 50 miles a week, etc. Now, I'm lucky to get 300 steps in a day. May you all have a blessed day!