Dr. Gary Kaplan, along with co-author Juliana Heimur, BA, recently contributed to The Pain Practitioner, the quarterly magazine published by the American Academy of Pain Management (AAPM). The article, titled “Microglia and Central Sensitization Syndrome: A New Paradigm for Understanding and Treating Chronic Pain and Depression,” discusses the role of microglia, a type of glial cell present in the central nervous system, as the mediator in the inflammatory process found to be present in central sensitization.
Central Sensitization Syndrom (CSS) is an inflammatory condition that damages the structure and undermines the functioning of the nervous system. It is both “neurodysregulatory” and “neurodegenerative.” Neurodysregulation refers to the extent to which CSS interferes with the healthy functioning of the body’s nervous system, undermining neural activity in the brain, spinal cord and other neural pathways throughout the body. Furthermore, when a person’s nervous system is operating sub-optimally, their hormonal and immune systems are likely to falter, which in turn, can lead to even more complicated health problems. Neurodegeneration refers to the actual injury and destruction of neural tissue in the brain and body. Both conditions (neurodysregulation and neurodegeneration) can cause or exacerbate physical pain, emotional suffering, and erode mental clarity. The mediating factor in this process is the production and release of inflammatory substances in the brain.
At the cellular level, the fundamental mediator of CSS is the microglia. What we are learning about the pathophysiology of CSS enables us to formulate a new paradigm for understanding how a variety of seemingly unrelated illnesses and traumas can result in CSS. In this article Dr. Kaplan discusses the research on the neurobiology of microglia and their role in the occurrence of central sensitization with emphasis on the clinical implications and application of this research.
Please click here or on the image below to download and read Dr. Kaplan’s featured article.
I am delighted to introduce myself as the newest member of the clinical team at the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine. I am a licensed acupuncturist and am board certified in Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Every year research studies are published showing the effectiveness of this unique medicine. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s own ability to heal, decreases pain, reduces stress, enhances mood, strengthens the immune system, and can help maintain health and wellness. It can also help manage symptoms common in chronic pain and illness.
My training was at Bastyr University in Seattle, WA where I received a Master of Science in Acupuncture in June 2013. This program was 3 ½ years and included over 900 hours of clinical training. I use various styles of acupuncture including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Five Element, Neuroanatomical, and various styles of Japanese acupuncture. I completed specialty rotations at the University of Washington Harborview Hospital including the Chronic Fatigue Department. I was in private practice in Seattle until I moved back home to Northern Virginia this past December.
In addition, I hold a Master of Science in Physiology and Complementary and Alternative Medicine from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA.
During a typical visit, we will discuss your symptoms, behaviors and lifestyle. In addition to acupuncture, there are other techniques that I use to stimulate the body’s natural healing ability. I am trained in Chinese herbal medicine, which is also extremely beneficial for a variety of conditions.
It is a pleasure to join the exemplary team at the Kaplan Center. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and expertise in this traditional yet cutting edge medicine.
Is Inflammation What’s Causing Your Depression?
/in Featured Press/by Website AdministratorDr. Gary Kaplan Explains Central Sensitization Syndrome in The Pain Practitioner
/in News/by Kaplan CenterDr. Gary Kaplan, along with co-author Juliana Heimur, BA, recently contributed to The Pain Practitioner, the quarterly magazine published by the American Academy of Pain Management (AAPM). The article, titled “Microglia and Central Sensitization Syndrome: A New Paradigm for Understanding and Treating Chronic Pain and Depression,” discusses the role of microglia, a type of glial cell present in the central nervous system, as the mediator in the inflammatory process found to be present in central sensitization.
Central Sensitization Syndrom (CSS) is an inflammatory condition that damages the structure and undermines the functioning of the nervous system. It is both “neurodysregulatory” and “neurodegenerative.” Neurodysregulation refers to the extent to which CSS interferes with the healthy functioning of the body’s nervous system, undermining neural activity in the brain, spinal cord and other neural pathways throughout the body. Furthermore, when a person’s nervous system is operating sub-optimally, their hormonal and immune systems are likely to falter, which in turn, can lead to even more complicated health problems. Neurodegeneration refers to the actual injury and destruction of neural tissue in the brain and body. Both conditions (neurodysregulation and neurodegeneration) can cause or exacerbate physical pain, emotional suffering, and erode mental clarity. The mediating factor in this process is the production and release of inflammatory substances in the brain.
At the cellular level, the fundamental mediator of CSS is the microglia. What we are learning about the pathophysiology of CSS enables us to formulate a new paradigm for understanding how a variety of seemingly unrelated illnesses and traumas can result in CSS. In this article Dr. Kaplan discusses the research on the neurobiology of microglia and their role in the occurrence of central sensitization with emphasis on the clinical implications and application of this research.
Please click here or on the image below to download and read Dr. Kaplan’s featured article.
A Letter to Patients from Rebecca Berkson, L.Ac., Dipl.OM
/in Wellness/by Rebecca Berkson, L.Ac, Dipl.OMI am delighted to introduce myself as the newest member of the clinical team at the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine. I am a licensed acupuncturist and am board certified in Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Every year research studies are published showing the effectiveness of this unique medicine. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s own ability to heal, decreases pain, reduces stress, enhances mood, strengthens the immune system, and can help maintain health and wellness. It can also help manage symptoms common in chronic pain and illness.
My training was at Bastyr University in Seattle, WA where I received a Master of Science in Acupuncture in June 2013. This program was 3 ½ years and included over 900 hours of clinical training. I use various styles of acupuncture including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Five Element, Neuroanatomical, and various styles of Japanese acupuncture. I completed specialty rotations at the University of Washington Harborview Hospital including the Chronic Fatigue Department. I was in private practice in Seattle until I moved back home to Northern Virginia this past December.
In addition, I hold a Master of Science in Physiology and Complementary and Alternative Medicine from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA.
During a typical visit, we will discuss your symptoms, behaviors and lifestyle. In addition to acupuncture, there are other techniques that I use to stimulate the body’s natural healing ability. I am trained in Chinese herbal medicine, which is also extremely beneficial for a variety of conditions.
It is a pleasure to join the exemplary team at the Kaplan Center. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and expertise in this traditional yet cutting edge medicine.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Berkson, L.Ac, Dipl.OM