For centuries, scientists believed that pain was a direct response to tissue damage. Based on this logic, the implication would be that the more severe an injury is, the greater pain a person feels. However, pain does not always co-relate to tissue damage. Instead, two factors are at play: the experience of the pain and a biological process called nociception. Nociception is part of the nervous system’s protective response. When a harmful or potentially harmful stimulus activates a certain amount of sensors in specialized nerve endings, electrical signals are sent through the spinal cord to the brain. The brain then reacts accordingly. But if the sensors in the specialized nerve endings are constantly being activated, the experience of pain changes. On a biological level, if nerve fibres are constantly being activated, the brain may decide that the nerve fibres may need to be more sensitive to protect the body from harmful stimuli. As a result, more stress sensors are added to nerve fibres until they become so sensitive that even the lightest touch sparks an electric signal. Psychological factors also play a role in the experience of pain as a person’s emotional state, memories, beliefs, and expectations about pain can greatly influence nociception and the brain. Social factors, such as the availability of family support, can also play a part in the perception of pain. While the experience of pain is not fully understood, scientists are continuing to research the mechanisms behind it and have already found some promising things. Who knows: perhaps with enough research and technology, there could be a way to eliminate pain once and for all.
