If you’re living with persistent pain that doesn’t make sense, spreads unpredictably, or flares up with seemingly minor triggers—you might be dealing with central sensitisation.
Central sensitisation occurs when the nervous system becomes overly sensitive, amplifying pain signals and responding to everyday inputs as if they were dangerous. But it doesn’t stop at pain—it also affects mood, sleep, digestion, memory, and more. In other words, it’s a whole-system response.
The good news? With a pain-informed osteopathic approach, you can begin to understand and influence these patterns—gently and holistically.
What Is Central Sensitisation?
Central sensitisation is a state where your brain and spinal cord become over-reactive, making:
- Pain feel louder
- Everyday sensations feel threatening
- Your body and brain stay in “protection mode” long after the original issue has healed
It’s not “all in your head”—but it is happening in your nervous system. And importantly, it can change.
Common Symptoms of Central Sensitisation
People often search:
- “Why do I hurt all the time?”
- “Why am I so sensitive to everything?”
- “My pain is real but my scans are normal”
Here are both the pain-related and non-pain-related symptoms of central sensitisation.
Pain-Related Symptoms
1. Widespread or Moving Pain
Pain that shifts locations or expands beyond the original area of injury.
2. Allodynia
Pain in response to things that shouldn’t hurt—like touch, pressure, or even temperature changes.
3. Hyperalgesia
Increased pain sensitivity—mild injuries feel extreme, or lingering soreness lasts longer than expected.
4. Pain Without Obvious Cause
Persistent pain, despite no active tissue damage or abnormalities on scans.
Non-Painful Symptoms That Often Go Overlooked
These are just as important—and often more disruptive day to day.
Cognitive and Mood Symptoms
- Brain fog: Difficulty thinking clearly, forgetfulness, mental fatigue
- Low mood and anxiety: An overactive nervous system often amplifies emotional responses
- Sleep disruption: Trouble falling asleep or waking up feeling unrefreshed
- Emotional overwhelm: Feeling sensitive to stress, pressure, or decision-making
- Reduced resilience: Normal activities feel draining and recovery is slower
Sensory Sensitivities
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Sensitivity to smells or chemicals
- Heat/cold intolerance
- Visual overstimulation (e.g., screen use or crowded environments causing fatigue or nausea)
Digestive and Autonomic Symptoms
- Irritable bowel symptoms: bloating, cramping, urgency
- Food sensitivities or nausea
- Dizziness or light-headedness when standing
- Palpitations, sweating, or frequent urination
These symptoms suggest that the autonomic nervous system—which regulates digestion, heart rate, and more—is also involved.
Why Is This Happening?
The nervous system has one job: to protect you. But when it’s stuck in high-alert mode, it becomes overly protective—even when there’s no danger.
This is not a sign of weakness or damage—it’s a sign your nervous system needs support to feel safe again.
How Pain-Informed Osteopathy Can Help
Pain-informed osteopathy combines manual therapy with education, movement, and nervous system-aware care. It recognises that pain is more than just a physical issue—it’s also about how the body perceives and processes threat.
In a pain-informed osteopathic session, we may:
- Gently calm the nervous system through hands-on treatment
- Explore how your pain behaves and what may influence it
- Offer movement and pacing strategies to build confidence
- Integrate whole-person care—including stress, sleep, and lifestyle factors
- Help rewire protective responses so your body can feel safe again
You’re Not Broken. Your Body Is Trying to Protect You.
Central sensitisation is real—but it’s also reversible. Your nervous system is adaptable, and with the right support, it can move out of defence mode and into healing.
If you’re experiencing widespread pain, sensory overload, fatigue, or just feel like no one has been able to explain what’s going on—you are not alone.
Book an appointment to explore how pain-informed osteopathy can help you regain comfort, clarity, and confidence in your body.
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