Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 2, 2026

Assessment of Knee Hyperalgesia in Mice using Pressure Application Measurement
Published on: June 13, 2025
Central Sensitization and Nociplastic Pain: Shared Mechanisms in Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, and Inflammatory
Fedir Volodymyrovych Hladkykh1,2, Tetiana Ivanivna Liadova3, Mariia Serhiivna Matvieienko1
1Department of General Surgery, Anesthesiology and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine.
Introduction:
Central sensitization explains the mismatch between structural damage or inflammation and pain intensity in chronic musculoskeletal diseases. It defines the phenotype of fibromyalgia and contributes to persistent pain in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Objective:
To characterize the role of central sensitization in nociplastic pain in fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Materials And Methods:
A structured search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (1990-2025) identified open-access, evidence-based publications addressing pain pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment in these conditions.
Results:
Central sensitization manifests as hyperalgesia, allodynia, expanded receptive fields, and impaired endogenous pain inhibition. It predominates in fibromyalgia and contributes to persistent pain in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis that may not correlate with inflammation or structural damage. Screening tools such as the Widespread Pain Index and Symptom Severity Scale, together with quantitative sensory testing and algometry, help identify nociplastic pain features. Neuroimmune mechanisms, including microglial activation and imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, may contribute to the mismatch between pain intensity and clinical findings.
Conclusion:
Chronic pain reflects inflammatory, mechanical, and nociplastic mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia, respectively. Recognition of central sensitization improves assessment and supports mechanism-based management.
Related Concept Videos
Nociception
Analgesia and Pain Management
Pain
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
Opioid Receptors: Overview

