The role of interoceptive sensibility on central sensitization to pain in vulvodynia.

BACKGROUND

Interoception may be linked to central sensitization in chronic pain.

AIM

We aimed to provide evidence about the role of interoceptive sensibility on central sensitization in vulvodynia.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a sample of females who received a diagnosis of vulvodynia filled out validated questionnaires relative to the individual level of interoceptive sensibility and the symptoms of central sensitization.

OUTCOMES

Interoceptive sensibility and symptoms of central sensitization were measured with the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness and the Central Sensitization Inventory, respectively.

RESULTS

A lower level of trust and a higher level of emotional awareness predicted a higher number of central sensitization symptoms in our sample.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Our evidence may increase the researchers' and physicians' attention toward the involvement of the central nervous system in pain phenomenology in vulvodynia.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

No ad-hoc control sample was collected. No behavioral assessments about interoception were performed.

CONCLUSION

As registered in other chronic pain conditions, interoceptive sensibility may play a crucial role in the expressions of symptoms of central sensitization in vulvodynia.