Central nervous system contribution to mechanically produced motor and sensory responses.

Peripheral tissue pathology causes a rapid and enduring increase in the excitability of spinal cord neurones. This review examines some of the basic and clinical research which suggests that the central nervous system is capable of making a contribution to clinical signs and symptoms. Mechanically produced clinical responses of pain and movement behaviour may not always be indicative of their source or cause. Certain implications for physiotherapy are discussed. The actual systemic effects of mechanical stimuli, as used clinically by physiotherapists, need to be investigated.