Definition
Neuroinflammation is inflammation within the nervous system itself — involving glial cells, cytokines, and immune signaling — and it can amplify, prolong, and sensitize pain independent of ongoing tissue damage.
Why it matters
Neuroinflammation helps explain why pain can persist and spread even when scans look unremarkable. It gives biological grounding to experiences patients are often told are “in their head.”
The Science
Microglia and astrocytes contribute to central sensitization through cytokine release, altered synaptic transmission, and changes in descending pain modulation. In animal models of nerve injury, glial activation drives sustained hypersensitivity. Emerging human imaging studies suggest glial involvement in chronic pain states such as fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain.
The NSI Perspective
NSI treats neuroinflammation as one part of the protective system speaking a chemical language of threat. Lifestyle inputs — sleep, movement, stress, nutrition, connection — modulate this language.
Clinical Implications
Interventions that address sleep, aerobic activity, stress regulation, and, where indicated, targeted medications, can reduce inflammatory contributions to pain. Assuming inflammation is only “in the tissue” misses the neural half of the story.
Practical Application
If you notice that pain worsens when you are exhausted, unwell, or under sustained stress, you are noticing neuroinflammation in action. This is biology, not overreaction.
References
- 1.Ji RR, Nackley A, Huh Y, Terrando N, Maixner W. Neuroinflammation and central sensitization in chronic and widespread pain. Anesthesiology. 2018;129(2):343–366.