Peripheralized

Peripheralized is an adjective used to describe a pattern of symptom distribution in which pain or sensory disturbance expands from a central location toward the periphery, such as from the lower back into the leg, or from the neck into the arm. It is commonly discussed in relation to spinal disorders and radiculopathy.

In spine-related pain, peripheralization is often considered a sign of nerve root irritation or radicular involvement, frequently produced or amplified by certain movements or tests, such as repeated flexion, extension, or a straight-leg raise.

Clinical significance: When symptoms peripheralize during examination or treatment, clinicians may modify therapy and consider imaging or escalation of care if red flags are present. By contrast, centralization—where symptoms move toward the center—is generally seen as a favorable sign.

Assessment: The phenomenon is tracked during repeated movement or loading tests to see whether the pain remains localized, centralizes, or peripheralizes. Peripheralization can indicate the need to avoid provocative maneuvers that worsen nerve irritation.

Terminology: Peripheralized is the adjective form; peripheralize is the verb meaning to cause symptoms to move to the periphery. The concept is commonly discussed in physical therapy, chiropractic, and pain science.