What is Neuroplastic Pain?

Neuroplastic pain refers to pain or physical symptoms that are generated by learned neural pathways in the brain. 

This does not mean the pain isn’t real or that it doesn’t produce real physiological changes in the body.

Pain is a brain-generated warning signal designed to alert us to danger. Typically, it signals an actual structural issue (e.g., a fracture, infection, or tumor) or warns of potential harm (like the burning sensation that makes you pull away from a hot stove).

In the case of neuroplastic pain, the brain has learned to misinterpret safe signals — such as emotional distress, certain movements, foods, or even pain itself — as threats. The nervous system led by the brain, functioning perfectly in its protective role, uses pain and other symptoms to communicate this perceived danger.

Over time, unless it is retrained, the nervous system can become hypervigilant, continuously fueling the pain cycle.

Good news is - Because neuroplastic pain is learned, it can also be unlearned.

Figure a - How neuroplastic pain develops.