Neurophysiology · functional reading

Peripheral sensitization

Peripheral sensitization is increased responsiveness and reduced threshold of peripheral nociceptive neurons to the stimulation of their receptive fields (IASP definition).

Scientific basis

Peripheral sensitization primarily involves nociceptors, the nerve endings that detect potentially damaging stimuli. It generally occurs in a context of tissue injury or inflammation, under the effect of locally released chemical mediators that lower the activation threshold of nociceptors (Gold and Gebhart 2010).

It can contribute to primary hyperalgesia, that is, increased sensitivity to pain in the injured area itself. It is distinct from central sensitization, which involves neurons of the central nervous system (IASP; Loeser and Treede 2008).

Blue Portance / SBNFA™ reading

In the SBNFA™ framework, peripheral sensitization is a possible mechanistic consequence in certain contexts, which may contribute to some of the local pain analyzed. It cannot be inferred either from persistent pain or from seating analysis.

Contribution to the analysis of sitting

Seating analysis provides no information about the state of nociceptors. It describes the mechanical conditions of support; looking for sensitization is a matter for medical evaluation.

Not to be confused with

Central sensitization, increased responsiveness of nociceptive neurons in the central nervous system; Neuropathic pain, pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system; Nociplastic pain, pain arising from altered nociception without evident tissue damage or nerve lesion; Allodynia and hyperalgesia, clinical manifestations that may accompany it without proving it.

Sources and scope

An established scientific concept (IASP). Peripheral sensitization is not equivalent to central sensitization, is not diagnosed from persistent pain, and sitting does not "sensitize the nerves."