What term describes the condition where spinal cord neurons become hyperexcitable due to constant nociceptive input?

The condition described, where spinal cord neurons exhibit increased excitability in response to persistent nociceptive input, refers specifically to secondary hyperalgesia. This phenomenon occurs when there is prolonged and excessive nociceptive stimulation, leading to a heightened sensitivity to pain. In essence, secondary hyperalgesia involves a change in the central nervous system where the normal processing and transmission of pain signals become altered due to ongoing painful stimuli. This is an important distinction because it underlines how the nervous system can adapt and become more sensitive over time in response to pain, often resulting in an exaggerated pain experience not only at the site of injury but also in surrounding areas.

In this context, primary hyperalgesia would refer to increased sensitivity to pain at the site of injury itself, while the windup phenomenon is related to the progressive increase in pain sensitivity due to repeated stimuli, occurring in a shorter timeframe. Nociceptive amplification refers to a general increase in pain perception but does not specifically address the hyperexcitability of spinal cord neurons in response to nociceptive input as secondary hyperalgesia does.