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Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI-R)

Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI-R) Test

Understand whether your nervous system may be amplifying pain and other sensations in about 5 minutes. This 25 item check-in supports clearer diagnosis and helps guide more targeted care for chronic pain and related issues.

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Questions: 255 minutes

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08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

20,484 views

1,301 completion

969 likes

Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

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How the Scales are Structured

example score

72/100

Central Sensitization Scale (CSS)

Measures the severity of self-reported symptoms associated with central sensitization (heightened nervous system reactivity).

Low–Moderate

High

Very High

0 – 49: Low–Moderate | 50 – 59: High | 60 – 100: Very High

A score of 72 falls in the Very High range, indicating a pronounced level of symptoms commonly associated with central sensitization.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

People with chronic widespread pain

41%OF USERS

Those with long-lasting, body-wide pain (often with fatigue and sleep issues) use it to see whether an overactive nervous system may be amplifying symptoms.

Migraine and headache sufferers

34%OF USERS

People with frequent migraines or persistent headaches take it to check if heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or touch may be driving their pain pattern.

Unexplained sensitivity after injury

25%OF USERS

Those whose pain feels out of proportion or lingers after an injury or surgery use it to understand possible pain sensitization and guide next steps in care.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

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Used in 52+ countries

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Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.

Central Sensitization Scale (CSS)

Average

69.6

Normal range

54.7 — 84.5

min.

max.

100

Majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this questionnaire measure?

It screens for symptoms and patterns commonly linked to increased central nervous system sensitivity. It estimates how strongly this mechanism may be contributing to current symptoms.

Who is this questionnaire intended for?

It is used for people with persistent pain or heightened sensitivity, including conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraine, or widespread pain. It may also be used when symptoms seem out of proportion to typical findings.

How long does it take and how many items are included?

It includes 25 items and usually takes about 5 minutes to complete.

How should items be answered?

Select the response that best reflects how often each symptom has been present recently. Answer all items based on typical experiences rather than rare events.

How are results used?

Scores provide a summary of symptom burden related to central sensitization and support clinical interpretation. Results do not diagnose a condition and should be reviewed with other clinical information.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI-R) Test - Symptoms and Signs

somatics

This self-report measure is used to screen for symptoms commonly associated with central sensitization and related patterns of heightened central nervous system responsivity. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI-R) was developed to support efficient clinical characterization of symptom burden in patients presenting with chronic or complex pain complaints.

The instrument contains 25 items and typically takes about 5 minutes to complete. Items assess the frequency or severity of somatic and sensory symptoms that may be consistent with central sensitization; results are intended to inform clinical formulation and guide follow-up assessment rather than serve as a standalone diagnosis. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI-R) is commonly referenced in the pain and behavioral health literature (Sullivan & Turk) and can be integrated with history, examination findings, and other validated measures.

Author: Dennis C. Turk, Michael A. Sullivan

Literature: Neblett, R., Cohen, H., Choi, Y., Hartzell, M. M., Williams, M., Mayer, T. G., & Gatchel, R. J. The central sensitization inventory (CSI): establishing clinically significant values for identifying central sensitivity syndromes in an outpatient chronic pain sample. Journal of Pain. 2013.; Mayer, T. G., Neblett, R., Cohen, H., Howard, K. J., Choi, Y. H., Williams, M. J., Perez, Y., & Gatchel, R. J. The development and psychometric validation of the central sensitization inventory. Pain Practice. 2012.

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