Central sensitization is a condition that occurs within the nervous system that contributes to a wind-up effect within the pain system, causing the nervous system to stay in a persistent state of reactivity. This persistent state lowers the threshold for what causes pain and contributes to a persistent state of pain even after the initial injury might have healed.
Central sensitization has two main characteristics, both of which involve a heightened sensitivity to pain and the sensation of touch. They are called allodynia and hyperalgesia.