Pathophysiology Under persistent activation, the transmission of<unk>  signals to the dorsal horn may produce a<unk>  wind-up phenomenon. This triggers changes that lower the threshold for<unk>  signals to be transmitted. In addition, it may cause nonnociceptive nerve fibers to respond to, generate, and transmit<unk>  signals. The type of nerve fibers that are believed to generate the<unk>  signals are the C-fibers, since they have a slow conductivity and give rise to a<unk> ful sensation that persists over a long time. In<unk> , this process is difficult to reverse or stop once established. In some cases,<unk>  can be caused by genetic factors which interfere with neuronal differentiation, leading to a permanently lowered threshold for<unk> .<unk>  of different causes has been characterized as a disease that affects brain structure and function. MRI studies have shown abnormal anatomical and functional connectivity, even during rest involving areas related to the processing of<unk> . Also, persistent<unk>  has been shown to cause grey matter loss, which is reversible once the<unk>  has resolved. These structural changes can be explained by neuroplasticity. In the case of<unk> , the somatotopic representation of the body is inappropriately reorganized following peripheral and central sensitization. This can cause allodynia or hyperalgesia. In individuals with<unk> , EEGs showed altered brain activity, suggesting<unk> -induced neuroplastic changes. More specifically, the relative beta activity (compared to the rest of the brain) was increased, the relative alpha activity was decreased, and the theta activity was diminished. Dysfunctional dopamine management in the brain could potentially act as a shared mechanism between<unk> , insomnia and major depressive disorder. Astrocytes, microglia, and Satellite glial cells have also been found to be dysfunctional in<unk> . Increased activity of microglia, alterations of microglial networks, and increased production of chemokines and cytokines by microglia might aggravate<unk> . Astrocytes have been observed to lose their ability to regulate the excitability of neurons, increasing spontaneous neural activity in<unk>  circuits.
Chronic pain
Intractable pain
Chronic wound pain
Delayed onset muscle soreness
Precancerous condition
Chronic condition
Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndromes
Chronic wound