Managing Arthritis Pain.
Last updated Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Pain signalsWhat blocks pain signals? Many scientists think pain control methods help reduce pain by
blocking pain signals. Pain signals are sent through a complex system
of nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
There are many things that can block these signals and thus prevent the pain message from reaching your brain.
Pain signals are blocked by chemicals made by the brain, called
endorphins. There are several things that can cause the brain to
produce endorphins. These include "natural" controls, such as your own
thoughts and emotions or "outside" controls, such as medicines.
Natural controls
A father, 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 somehow blocked
the pain signal and kept the pain from affecting him.
Outside controls
Certain medicines, such as morphine, imitate the body's endorphins
and block the pain signal. Other pain control methods, such as heat and
cold treatments, physical therapy, exercise, relaxation, and massage can stimulate the body to release its own endorphins or to block the pain signal in other ways.
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