Pain: How does the body control pain? ( Part 2 )
From: Helen Dynda (olddad66@runestone.net)
Mon Apr 24 14:33:08 2000
HOW DOES THE BODY CONTROL PAIN?
Pain signals are sent through a complex system of nerves in your brain
and spinal cord. Your body tries to stop these signals from reaching
their destination by creating chemicals that help block pain signals.
These chemicals, called endorphins (en-DOOR-fins), are morphine-like
painkilling substances that decrease the pain sensation.
The body produces endorphins in response to different kinds of
"controls."
1. These include "natural" controls, such as your own thoughts and
emotions. For example: imagine that a father who is driving with his
children is hurt in a car accident. The father is so worried about his
children that he doesn't feel the pain from his own broken arm. The
concern for his children has blocked the pain signal and kept the pain
from affecting him.
2.) The body also produces endorphins in response to "outside" controls,
such as medicine. Morphine is one example of a powerful pain-blocking
medicine. Other outside pain control methods -- such as exercise,
relaxation, massage, and heat and cold treatment -- can stimulate the
body to either release endorphins or block pain signals in other ways.
******[ CONTINUED in PART 3 ]******
The 15th century proverb which summarizes the purpose of medicine is:
* To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always. *
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