[3] Its causes are not fully understood, but it is thought to be a dysfunction of the central nervous system, whose processing of pain signals may have become distorted or sensitised.

[3][6] The concept and term was formally added to the taxonomy of the International Association for the Study of Pain following the recommendation of a task force in 2017.

[9][10][better source needed] Nociplastic pain has also been hypothesized to play a role in the persistence of medically unexplained symptoms.

[11][12] Its causes are not fully understood but it is thought to be a dysfunction of the central nervous system whose processing of pain signals may have become distorted or sensitised.

[3] Specific central nervous system locations that have been suggested are nociceptive neurons, spinal and supraspinal structures, the dorsal horn and others.