ROLE OF CENTRAL SENSITIZATION IN OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN: MECHANISMS AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative joint disease and a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. While traditionally considered a nociceptive pain condition arising from peripheral tissue damage, accumulating evidence highlights the significant role of central sensitization (CS) in the persistence and severity of OA pain. Central sensitization refers to heightened responsiveness of neurons within the central nervous system (CNS) to normal or subthreshold sensory input, contributing to chronic pain experience independent of structural joint pathology. This review synthesizes current evidence on mechanisms of CS in OA pain, discusses clinical identification, and evaluates implications for pain management. Despite substantial evidence supporting CS in a subset of OA patients, research into targeted interventions remains nascent. Understanding CS mechanisms may enable more effective and personalized pain management strategies for OA