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Endometriosis is associated with central sensitization: a psychophysical controlled study
Prem Bajaj1, Priti Bajaj, Hans Madsen
1Laboratory For Experimental Pain Research, Department Of Health Science And Technology, Centre For Sensory-Motor Interaction, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark. pba@smi.auc.dk
The Journal of Pain
|November 19, 2003
Summary
Endometriosis patients exhibit central sensitization, indicated by heightened pain sensitivity in muscles like the first dorsal interosseous (FDI). This suggests altered pain processing in endometriosis beyond localized pelvic pain.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Gynecology
Background:
- Endometriosis is a significant cause of pelvic pain in women of reproductive age.
- The pain mechanisms in endometriosis are complex and not fully understood.
- Central sensitization is a potential mechanism contributing to chronic pain in endometriosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate central sensitization in women with endometriosis.
- To test if persistent nociceptive input from endometriotic tissues leads to central sensitization.
- To compare somatic hyperalgesia and referred pain areas in endometriosis patients versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Ten women with endometriosis and ten healthy controls participated.
- Hypertonic saline injections were administered into the multifidus muscle (low back) and first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) of the hand.
- Pain intensity, pain areas, and pressure sensitivity were assessed.
Main Results:
- Patients with endometriosis showed significantly greater post-saline pain intensity and pain areas in the FDI compared to controls.
- No significant difference in back pain responses was observed between groups.
- Increased muscle nociceptor input and hypersensitivity to pressure stimulation were evident in endometriosis patients.
Conclusions:
- Findings demonstrate central sensitization in women with endometriosis.
- Altered pain processing in endometriosis involves increased nociceptor input and hypersensitivity.
- These insights contribute to understanding the complex pain mechanisms in endometriosis.