CHRONIC PAIN & CENTRAL SENSITIZATION

Chronic Pain & Central Sensitization
Overview
Chronic pain occurs when the nervous system becomes hypersensitive—amplifying pain signals even after tissue healing has occurred.
This phenomenon, known as central sensitization, often affects people who have been in pain for months or years and can lead to frustration, fatigue, and loss of confidence in movement.
It is not “all in your head”—it’s a real physiological response that can be effectively managed through education, movement, and nervous system retraining.
Signs & Symptoms
- Persistent pain lasting more than 3 months
- Widespread tenderness or sensitivity
- Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
- Heightened response to mild pain or pressure
- Emotional stress or anxiety linked to pain
Causes
- Prolonged pain or injury
- Sedentary lifestyle and deconditioning
- Sleep disturbance or chronic stress
- Fear-avoidance behavior (fear of movement)
- Overactive pain signaling in the central nervous system
How a Chiropractor Can Help
At Unify Rehab & Performance, we take a holistic, neuroscience-informed approach to chronic pain. Our goal is to help you understand and retrain your body’s pain system through movement and education.
Our care may include:
- Gentle manual therapy to restore joint and muscle mobility.
- Acupuncture to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
- Progressive rehab designed to rebuild confidence, strength, and movement tolerance.
- Education on pain science, stress management, and recovery strategies.
- Lifestyle guidance covering sleep, physical activity, and pacing.
We empower you to move beyond chronic pain—rebuilding trust in your body and creating sustainable change through movement and awareness.
