Central sensitization: when is this the right terminology?

Paul W. Hodges; Lars Arendt‐Nielsen; Kirsty Bannister; Daniel J. Clauw; Jo Nijs; Emanuel N. van den Broeke; Christin Veasley; Clifford J. Woolf; Michele Sterling

doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000004017

June 16, 2026PainOpen Access

Central sensitization: when is this the right terminology?

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Key Points

This review examines the definition and use of 'central sensitization' and its implications for clinical practice and research.
Topical review discussing historical and contemporary definitions of central sensitization.
Analyzing both narrow and broad interpretations of the term in clinical contexts.
Examining surrogate measures and tools for assessing central sensitization in pain management.
Controversy over the broad versus narrow definition of central sensitization affecting diagnosis and treatment.
Clarification needed to differentiate between central sensitization and nociplastic pain for effective clinical communication.
Proposed paths forward include establishing evidence-based terminology to prevent confusion in clinical and research settings.

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Implication

Topical review discusses appropriate contexts for using the term central sensitization in pain management, suggesting implications for clinical practice.

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Cite This Study

Hodges et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a34dc9f65a5b0777af2cc62 https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000004017

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Central sensitization: when is this the right terminology?

Key Points

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Discussion

Cite This Study

Central sensitization: when is this the right terminology?

Key Points

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Implication

Discussion

Cite This Study

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