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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.
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1 ReactionThank 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.
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1 ReactionI 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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3 ReactionsI’ve been diagnosed with central sensitization and otherwise have no health problems. My life has gone from being active as a teacher, biker, and musician to being almost completely disabled in only a few months. My pain starts in my stomach any time I eat, and now my nerves are firing almost everywhere else in my body. I’ve been told that this kind of experience can be”unlearned”. I’m finding that difficult to believe but obviously am ready to try anything. I’m wondering if anyone has any similar experiences or advice. I am starting a pain clinic class in San Francisco next week. Thanks!
I have been diagnosed with CRPS . My pain started with small abdominal muscle tear 2010 that was left for 6 yrs untreated. It became a very serious injury due neglect. Ultimately it went to the Celiac Plexus, im not sure in what form, irritation im guessing, seeing a Neurologist to find out but altho im not diagnosed with nerve centralization I think this is a more apt diagnosis. I result a received spinal cord stimulator last yr....with terrible results. Its just removed but due my nerves issue recovery is extremely hard and its caused numbness in my legs/ right foot.
To answer your question, if you understand Neuroplasticity ( I have read extensively on the subject being bed bound for months) theoretically you absolutely should be able to reduce/ improve your pain.
Have you heard of Joe Dispenza/Dr Sarno etc. If not Pls research. I had to read extensively to become a believer because I had had no understanding of the concept.
One has to be be very dedicated and if you choose to Meditate it is extremely hard for many to be well disciplined.
Pls Google Joe Dispenza stories of transformation for inspiration.
At this point I have nothing to loose, western medicine has pretty much destroyed my nervous system to the point of being predominantly house bound.
However post Stimulator removal 5 wjs ago im throwing myself wholeheartedly into hollistic healing. Also have you heard of TMS, similar I believe to central sensitization. ( Dont quote me on that!)
Sorry this is long.
Pls would you be kind enough to update us after your pain class. I would love to know how you make out. The Spero Clinic does wonderful work but hugely expensive. Gd Luck !!
https://apple.news/Acyfo5UH2RW-Wp0z9VDvPMQ
What’s most disheartening about this story is not what the patients went through, but Mayo Clinic’s refusal to return the multiple calls from the author
@laura1970 Your concern is valid. I also had the difficulty of sitting more than 15 minutes and was able to stand as needed. By the end I was becoming more tolerant and surprised myself by slowly gaining ability. Fun fact, my tolerance continued to improve after getting home and following the program. One of my goals was to sit in a restaurant for a meal with my family without getting up. I now can! I'm able to be more present in the moment.
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