Exploring the Role of Central Sensitization in Young Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis - Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) can result from endometriosis, which can be or over time can become unresponsive to standardized surgical treatment and hormonal therapy- possibly due to excessive pain and sensitivity known as central sensitization. These patients continue to experience significant pain and disability, such as missed school and activities, decreased feelings of accomplishment, and decreased general well being, often leading to symptoms of depression and anxiety. This brief review discusses the role that central sensitization may assume in the etiology of CPP-particularly in adolescent women, because the neural development can be altered during this critical window of development. Detection of central sensitization can identify young women who may potentially benefit from centrally mediated pharmaco therapies that can be coupled with cognitive behavioral approaches to pain management.