PAIN-SCI, AT LEVEL PAIN

SUMMARY

1. In general, at-level pain occurs earlier than below-level.

2. This is due to maladaptive changes within the somatosensory system and other genetic & environmental factors.

3. Clinically, increased responsiveness & decreased pain threshold.

4. Hyper-excitability within the spinal cord & spontaneous ectopic activity within the spinal cord (at any level of the CNS).

5. Mechanisms: changes in structural plasticity, functional changes in receptors & ion channels, glial activation, decreased inhibitory modulation.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.