Central Sensitization in Patients Attending Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders

Study Design: Survey study. Objective: To determine what percentage of patients attending physical therapy with musculoskeletal pain present with central sensitization and which patient factors may be predictive of central sensitization. Background: Treating pain, especially chronic pain is clinically challenging. It has been suggested that pain be sub-classified as either nociceptive, peripheral neuropathic or central sensitization, to aid clinical decision-making to inform the treatment approach for specific pain conditions. Methods: A convenience sample of adult patients (18-65) attending PT for musculoskeletal pain were asked to complete a demographic questionnaire and the central sensitization inventory. Results: Two-hundred and forty-five patients completed the central sensitization inventory, resulting in a mean score of 26.88 ± 15.54. The majority of the patients were classified as “low” in regard to central sensitization scores and nearly one in five patients (n = 39; 17.3%) were classified as “high” in regard to central sensitization scores. The variables of ‘being disabled’ (β = 13.73), ‘currently experiencing feelings of depression’ (β = 9.35), and ‘identifying as female’ (β = 3.60), had the largest partial effects on central sensitization as individual variables. Conclusions: Approximately one in five patients attending PT for musculoskeletal pain present with a central sensitization inventory score of > 40, suggesting presence of central sensitization. Patients that reported feeling disabled, experiencing feelings of depression and ‘identifying as female’ were more likely to score > 40 on the central sensitization inventory. Central sensitization is relatively common in patients attending PT for musculoskeletal pain and various patient characteristics may suggest higher potential CSI scores at intake.