The treatment of central sensitization in an adolescent using pain neuroscience education and graded exposure to activity: A case report.
Autor: Pack, Roger MPT; Gilliland, Randy PhD; Mecham, Alisha DPT
Publication year: 2020
Physiotherapy theory and practice
issn:1532-5040 0959-3985
doi: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1551454
Abstract:
Chronic pain affects 1.7 million children in the United States, and its effects often linger into adulthood. Unfortunately, chronic pediatric pain is often undertreated. The current case report discusses the use of pain neuroscience education (PNE) combined with progressive exposure to activity to treat persistent pain in a 13-year-old female diagnosed with central sensitization syndrome. Prior to the diagnosis, the patient underwent two unsuccessful episodes of physical therapy that focused on musculoskeletal sources of pain. The patient was then referred to a physical therapist specializing in pain management. Following a detailed evaluation, PNE and graded exposure were used over a 4-week period to address the patient’s condition and her behavioral responses to it. Significant decreases were observed in lowest (67%) and usual (50%) pain ratings and the portion of the day her worst pain was felt (67%), while the portion of the day with bearable pain (80%). Significant improvements in her ability to dance (168%), hike (50%), and run (200%) were observed. Reconceptualizing pain and its meaning changed perceptions and behaviors, allowing improvement when other approaches failed. Although effective for this patient, more research is needed into the use of this approach in the treatment of chronic pediatric pain.
Language: eng
Rights:
Pmid: 30540222
Tags: Humans; Female; Adolescent; Surveys and Questionnaires; Pain Measurement; *Physical Therapy Modalities; Chronic Pain/*therapy; outcome measures; physical therapy; Pain Management/*methods; graded exposure; Central Nervous System Sensitization/*physiology; central sensitization; Neurosciences/education; Pain neuroscience education; pediatric chronic pain
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30540222/
