10/01/2026
People who are Neurodivergence have increased risk of chronic pain and joint hypermobility.
People who are neurodivergent can:
➡️ Have increased sensitivity such as to bright lights, and strong smells. This hypersensitivity alters brain response to touch. It can alter how the brain processes pain - the response is heightened in this population. A bit like a dial that is turned up to its highest level.
➡️ Have a hypersensitive central nervous system.
➡️ Have widespread chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and joint hypermobility. Also other conditions such as IBS can be seen in this group of population due to the ‘wind up’ response of the central nervous system.
➡️ Can develop a condition known as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). This is when the person stands up and there is an abnormal change in blood pressure and can faint as a result.
➡️ have an impact on the autonomic functions such as breathing, blood pressure.
These issues can show how closely the physical and neurological systems work together and how there is an impact on these body functions that can occur in the neurodivergent population.
Please note that these issues do not affect everyone who is neurodivergent! There is still a lot of research to do.
