Pain threshold– this is the magnitude of the impact on the sensory organ at which pain occurs. According to another definition, this concept refers to the level of irritation caused nervous system, in which pain is felt. The pain threshold is individual for each person, because... sensitivity to pain in different people not the same.

There is also such a thing as pain tolerance level, defined as the maximum amount of pain that a certain person is willing to endure under specific conditions. In this case, neither the pain threshold nor the level of pain tolerance is determined by any parameters of the influences that cause pain.

High and low pain threshold

As already mentioned, everyone has their own pain threshold, i.e. people react differently to the same stimulus. For one person, exposure to a certain force can cause severe pain, while for others it can cause quite tolerable sensations. It is believed that a person’s pain threshold is laid down in genes.

A low pain threshold is when, with minimal impact, a person begins to experience pain, i.e. Such people have a heightened perception of pain. And vice versa, if a person high threshold pain sensitivity, then he experiences pain when the impact is strong enough.

According to specialist research, women have a higher pain threshold than men. The maximum pain threshold is reached during. This fact is explained by the fact that the pain threshold is associated not only with the nervous system, but also with hormonal levels. It is adjustable endocrine system, due to the production of estrogen hormones. But at the same time, women have increased psychological sensitivity, which leads to the fact that even minimal pain can cause fear and tears.

How to find out and determine your pain threshold?

People who are attentive to their health would do well to have information about their personal pain threshold. Such information may be useful in cases where a person needs to transfer medical intervention accompanied by pain. Knowing the intensity of pain a patient can endure, the doctor will be able to choose the right method of pain relief.

You can determine your pain threshold using special device– algesimeter. The essence of its work is that a delicate area of ​​skin (usually between the fingers or toes) is exposed to electric current, pressure or high temperature. With a gradual increase in the intensity of exposure, minimum and maximum performance sensitivity, which will be the pain tolerance interval. As a result, it is possible to establish what degree of pain sensitivity threshold a person has - very low, low, medium or high.

How to increase the pain threshold?

It has been proven that in different time days, under the influence of various emotions and depending on the general physical condition of the body, the pain threshold of the same person may have different meanings. Consequently, the level of the pain threshold can be “managed” to a certain extent.

There are several ways to temporarily increase your pain threshold:

1. "Distraction" therapy– inhibition of the functioning of pain receptors due to the use of “hot” foods – red pepper, horseradish, mustard, ginger, etc.
2. Change hormonal levels by following a diet with an abundance of foods such as eggs, milk, turkey, hazelnuts, bananas, etc., which help increase the level of (happiness hormone) in the body.
3. Autotraining methods for mobilizing the body's strength– such a strong psycho-emotional excited state, such as anger, helps to increase the pain threshold.
4. Sex– stands out during lovemaking a large number of endorphin hormones, which can also dull pain.

All people have different attitudes to pain: some easily tolerate any manipulation, while for others a regular vaccination is a serious test. Why is this happening? This is explained by the fact that each person has his own pain threshold.

Scientists have proven that it depends on the individual ability to tolerate discomfort, which is formed at the genetic level.

Low and high pain thresholds depend on nature.

This indicator is no less important than height, weight, blood type, so it is important to get maximum information about this characteristic of your own body and know how to increase the pain threshold.

How is pain measured?

Maybe in our screams and torment? Or in quantity nerve cells who died at the peak of pain? You can find out the pain threshold using a special device - an algesimeter. The principle of its operation is as follows: the strength of the electric current gradually increases, the ratio of pressure indicators is determined, and the heating of certain areas of the skin is determined. The device records the body's response to stimuli and determines the threshold of pain sensitivity.

To figure out how to find out your limiting pain threshold, you need to understand that nature has divided all people into 4 nociceptin types:

How to increase the pain threshold?

Nociceptors are areas of nerve cell endings that are not covered by a sheath.

They are located throughout the body:

• on the skin;
• mucous membranes;
• on internal organs.

These are unique sensors that analyze pain sensations. Features of their functioning, quantity, degree of susceptibility are the factors that determine the level of pain threshold in men and women.

Regular exposure to these areas forms “immunity” to external irritants.

In order for the body's anti-pain system to work effectively, you need to train the nociceptors, for example, lying on a carpet of needles, gradually increasing the duration of the procedure.

If you are interested in how to slightly lower your pain threshold, you need to know important nuance: fear increases physical suffering, and aggression dulls it. If you have to unpleasant procedure, work with your subconscious and find your stimulus that will “charge” you with the necessary anger.

To increase your pain tolerance threshold, enter healthy image life.

During physical activity enkephalins and endorphins are produced, which are painkillers. The body must receive sufficient amounts of vitamin B. Do it regularly breathing exercises. These measures will help reduce your level of physical suffering.

For people who panic in the dentist's office, even novocaine does not save them from pain. Such sissies usually treat their teeth under general anesthesia. Those who know how to control themselves do not need local anesthesia. But the ability to withstand suffering is determined not only by one’s emotional state. The reserves of patience allotted to a person... are programmed in the genes.

It is vital for each of us to know our type of pain sensitivity. This information is no less important than information about weight, height, blood type and other characteristics of the body.

Depending on the characteristics of pain perception, nature has divided people into four categories.

I. “Touch-me-not”

Low pain tolerance threshold. Suffering is strictly contraindicated for representatives of this type! Such people acutely perceive pain (not only physical, but also mental) and by their nature are not able to endure it. These are usually called thin-skinned people. These are vulnerable and impressionable natures, prone to melancholy and loneliness. For them, entering the treatment room is like crossing the threshold of a torture chamber. IN similar situation calls to pull yourself together do not bring results - you can’t argue with physiology!

Take it for granted: you need to protect yourself from injury and, if possible, avoid painful medical procedures. If such occur, ask your doctor to take enhanced measures against suffering. It is allowed to place a filling on a tooth only under local anesthesia, and remove it under anesthesia. The same rule applies to childbirth and the so-called minor surgical interventions: for example, about an ingrown toenail or appendicitis. They are usually made under local anesthesia, and in your case it should only be general, otherwise a terrible complication may arise - pain shock.

II. "Mermaid"

Low threshold of pain sensitivity, but, at the same time, amazing ability endure suffering courageously. Remember, the underwater witch, who turned a mermaid’s tail into a pair of slender legs, predicted to their owner that her every step would be like a blow from a dagger? However, if you belong to this type, you should not curse fate. As a reward for your torment, she endowed you with the ability to experience deep feelings, the gift of devotion and the talent of empathy, in a word, she did everything so that you felt the fullness of being every minute.

Keep in mind: you can endure pain more easily if you are mentally prepared for it. For people with a rich imagination (and you are probably one of them), little psychological tricks will help. Try to imagine the pain as a big hot air balloon, from which they are gradually releasing. When only the limp shell of past suffering remains in your hands, mentally burn it or throw it in the trash.

III. "Sleeping Beauty"

There is a high pain tolerance threshold, so representatives of this type may seem insensitive at first. They do not notice mild pain, but as soon as it becomes a little sharper, a violent reaction immediately follows. There are practically no reserves of patience. Under the mask of the external calm of the “sleeping beauty” hides a tense inner life, the echoes of which occasionally break out in flashes strong emotions- joy, anger, sadness.

The most important thing is not to let suffering throw you off balance. To get rid of anxiety and nervous tension, aggravating discomfort, take herbal soothing tea. During procedures that require patience, listen carefully to yourself. Sitting in the dentist's chair, we felt sudden pain? Ask your doctor to interrupt treatment and administer local anesthesia. Otherwise, a visit to the dentist may end in fainting or even painful shock!

IV. "Iron Man"

High pain tolerance threshold. Individuals belonging to this type do not experience the slightest fear of pain. Many even flaunt their indifference to physical suffering. Remove the tooth? Please! Donate blood from a vein? With pleasure! Is there an operation coming up? No anesthesia needed! For such a life position there are good reasons: low sensitivity to unpleasant sensations and large stock patience.

These people, as a rule, are self-confident, energetic, agile, have leadership qualities, love to be in sight and cannot stand . They make good businesswomen, teachers, flight attendants, athletes and... bad doctors who consider patient complaints not worthy of attention whining. To respond to someone else's suffering, you need to experience something similar yourself, and people of this type are deprived of such an opportunity.

It affects the brain in different ways. For some, it distracts them from work, preventing them from performing even basic tasks. For others, on the contrary, being busy helps take their mind off pain. How can we explain this difference in perception, and is it possible to reduce the pain threshold?

Photo gettyimages.com

What is pain and how does it appear?

Pain is an unpleasant, excruciating sensation that we receive in the event of real or potential tissue damage. The perception of pain is subjective, but it can have different character: sharp, dull, burning or aching.

Pain occurs due to the work of special receptors that send signals to the spinal cord and brain. Receptor signals are processed in the cerebral cortex, and are filtered by a network of interconnected neurons. The priority of one pain signal can crowd out the others if the pain is fraught with serious consequences: this is how the body tries to warn you about the most pressing and serious danger.

The brain can also protect you from pain and injury by using unconditioned reflexes. It is thanks to them that the hand itself withdraws from the hot pan, and you do not get a deep burn.

Why do people experience pain differently?

Pain is weakened and suppressed by endorphins and enkephalins, which also help professional athletes accumulate strength, forget about fatigue and win competitions.

Since the sensitivity of subsystems associated neural pathways, is individual for everyone, the pain threshold will also differ. Therefore, some people continue to work steadily during a migraine, while others cannot even move.

Treatments that relieve pain are not suitable for everyone: some may benefit from over-the-counter treatments that eliminate weak pain signals, while others will need powerful painkillers and anesthetics that block signals at the level of the nerve pathways.

Photo gettyimages.com

How to increase the pain threshold?

The pain threshold is defined as the maximum amount of pain that a person can tolerate under specific conditions. It is as individual as the sensation of pain itself, but it can be measured using a special device - an algesimeter. Electric current is applied to the sensitive area of ​​the skin, high temperature and pressure, determining the tolerance interval.

The pain threshold is influenced by many factors: emotional and physical state, hormonal levels, presence of distractions. Richly flavored foods (pepper, ginger, mustard, chocolate), psychological practices (relaxation, psychotherapy), increasing endorphin levels through diet (eating strawberries, bananas, avocados) sometimes help reduce sensitivity to pain. physical exercise, dream. Also, strong emotions increase the pain threshold: anger and sexual arousal. Note to women: if you have, this is a great reason to have sex!

The most severe types of pain

It is believed that pain during childbirth is the most severe a person can experience. But as we already understood, this is not true for everyone. Doctors identify 4 more types of unbearable pain that can rival the birth of a child:

Which sometimes pushed desperate people to commit suicide.

Trigeminal neuralgia - chronic illness, during which painkillers do not work. Anti-epilepsy drugs and surgical methods are used for treatment.

Burns of 3-4 degrees, the pain of which intensifies during wound treatment.

Pinched pudendal nerve and pudendal neuropathy cause severe pain in the perineum, which intensifies with the slightest physical stress.

Maria Nitkina

The pain threshold is characterized by the level of irritation caused to the nervous system at which a person experiences pain. This level is individual for everyone. The same exposure to any irritant may cause severe pain in one person, but insignificant pain in another. This means that in the first case there is a low pain threshold, and in the second - a high one. But it is worth noting that the level of pain tolerance is not constant; it can decrease as a result of a lack of vitamins, overwork and other factors. Let's talk about this in more detail.

Sensitivity to pain

So, the pain threshold is determined by the maximum intensity of pain that a person can endure in certain moment and under specific conditions. Why do some people have a high pain threshold and others have a low one? The differences are caused by the characteristics of pathological processes relevant to humans. Based on the level of sensitivity to pain, one can determine the personality traits of an individual, the effectiveness of his social and biological adaptation, general state health. For example, when examining people who attempted suicide, it was revealed that they were characterized by increased pain tolerance. From the above, we can conclude that the pain threshold largely depends on the psychological characteristics of each individual person. Thenic emotions, that is, those that encourage active activity (joy, excitement, aggression, etc.), increase the threshold of pain, and asthenic, that is, those that depress the state (fear, sadness, depression, etc.), on the contrary, lower it . Based on the characteristics of pain perception, all people are divided into four types. You can find out which of these types you specifically belong to by undergoing a study using an algesimeter - a special pain meter. We'll talk about how this procedure is carried out a little later.

Features of the pain threshold in women and men

Sensitivity to pain depends not only on the state of the nervous system, but also on hormonal levels. In women, estrogens act as pain regulators, which critical situations capable of increasing the pain threshold. So, during childbirth, the level of estrogen simply goes through the roof, resulting in natural pain relief. In men, testosterone is produced, which also acts as an analgesic in conditions of pain. But emotions also play an important role. Since ancient times, it has been arranged that a man is a breadwinner, belongs to stronger sex, therefore, even having received some damage, he must find the strength to cope with the pain. A woman, on the contrary, represents the weaker sex, more sensitive not so much physically as emotionally. Therefore, even with minor pain, ladies often panic and throw a tantrum.

Measuring pain sensitivity

As already mentioned, you can find out your pain threshold using a miracle device - an algesimeter. Most often, the study is carried out in the area between the fingers or toes, since these places have the most delicate skin. Apply electric current or heat to the area. The device records the minimum level of irritation, that is, the one at which you begin to experience pain, and the maximum, that is, the one within which you can tolerate it. Based on the results of the study, the specialist will draw a conclusion about which of the four types of pain perception you belong to. Unfortunately, you won’t find algesimeters in regular clinics. Therefore, you will have to work hard to find an institution where such research can be carried out.

What does it mean to have a low pain threshold?

Juno

Your pain type
1 PRINCESS AND THE PEA – low threshold and pain tolerance interval. Suffering is contraindicated for you! You are a thin-skinned person, prone to melancholy and loneliness. Entering the treatment room is like crossing the threshold of a torture chamber. Take it for granted: you need to protect yourself from injury and, if possible, avoid painful medical procedures. It is allowed to place a filling on a tooth only under local anesthesia, and to remove it under general anesthesia. The same rule applies to childbirth and minor surgical interventions.
2 THE LITTLE MERMAID – low threshold and high pain tolerance interval. You are also extremely sensitive to pain, but you are capable of courageously enduring suffering. As a reward for your torment, fate has endowed you with the ability to experience deep feelings, the gift of devotion and the talent of empathy. Keep in mind: it is easier to endure pain if you are mentally prepared for it. Imagine the pain as a balloon from which air is gradually released. When the limp shell of past suffering remains in your hands, mentally burn it or throw it in the trash.
3 SLEEPING BEAUTY – high threshold and low pain tolerance interval. You may even seem insensitive: mild pain you don’t notice, but as soon as it becomes a little sharper, a violent reaction follows. You have practically no reserves of patience! Under the mask of external calm, you hide a tense inner life: its echoes break through outbursts of strong emotions - joy, anger, sadness. Don't let suffering throw you off balance. During procedures that require patience, listen carefully to yourself. Did you feel sudden pain while sitting in the dentist's chair? Ask the doctor to stop and administer local anesthesia. Otherwise, a visit to the dentist may end in fainting or even painful shock!
4 IRON LADY – high threshold and range of pain tolerance. You do not experience the slightest fear of pain and even flaunt your indifference to physical suffering. Remove the tooth? Please! Donate blood from a vein? With pleasure! Is there an operation coming up? No anesthesia needed! You are confident, energetic, ambitious and cannot stand being alone. People of your painful type make good businesswomen, teachers, flight attendants, athletes and... bad doctors who consider the complaints of patients to be whining that is not worthy of attention. To respond to someone else's suffering, you need to experience something similar yourself! Although it is not in your rules to suffer because of a trifling cut or a harsh word, it is pointless to demand the same from others: they are made of a different cloth.
http://www.cosmo.ru/mirror/your_health/353327/

Low pain vice is when you are NOT in pain, or vice versa?

When it does NOT hurt, it is called analgesia, see at the end.

The pain threshold is the level of irritation caused to the nervous system at which a person feels pain. The pain threshold is individual for everyone; the same level of irritation can be expressed in both minor and severe pain For different people. In the first case we are talking about a high pain threshold, in the second - about a low one. A person’s pain threshold can decrease with general fatigue and lack of B vitamins.

In psychophysics, the pain threshold is taken to be the minimum power of a stimulus that causes pain in 50% of presentations.

However, it should be borne in mind that repeated stimulation leads to a change in the pain threshold, in addition physical units, characterizing irritation, strictly speaking, are not adequate for measuring subjective pain sensations.

To the concept of the level (threshold) of pain tolerance, which is defined as greatest strength pain that the subject is willing to endure under given specific conditions.

Neither the pain threshold nor the level of pain tolerance can be determined by parameters external influences that cause pain. However, practically it is in these parameters that they are determined.

In addition, differences in pain thresholds are due to the characteristics of the current pathological process. Pain sensitivity is the most important parameter that determines the basic personality properties and psychosomatic relationships of a person, serves as an informative indicator of the adequacy and effectiveness of his biological and social adaptation, health conditions and illnesses. For example, a study of individuals who have attempted suicide has shown that they have an increased level of pain tolerance.

Pain sensitivity is closely related to individual psychological characteristics each person as an individual.

Stenic emotions associated with aggressive motivation are accompanied by an increase in the pain threshold. Asthenic emotions (fear, defenselessness), accompanying the strategy of passive adaptation and cessation current activities develop against the background of a decrease in the pain threshold.

Depending on the characteristics of pain perception, nature has divided people into 4 so-called nociceptive, or pain types. A special pain meter, an algesimeter, helps doctors find out which of them a person belongs to.

Congenital analgesia
A very rare hereditary defect, detected already in early childhood. As a rule, other modalities of sensation are normal, sometimes there is no pain perception visceral organs. In most cases, deep and cutaneous reflexes are preserved, no intellectual disorders, the speed of nerve conduction and evoked potentials are not changed.
With insensitivity to pain, numerous fractures with the development of false joints, decreased vision due to leukomas caused by damage to the cornea, painful felons and mutilation of the phalanges of the fingers. However, the physical condition may not suffer. Neither the morphological nor the pathophysiological mechanisms are yet clear. The possibility of disruption of endorphin metabolism is allowed. In general, insensitivity to pain as one of the symptoms is observed in mental retardation, schizophrenia, hysteria, damage to the parietal-frontal lobes, familial dysautonomia (see), Lesch-Nychen syndrome (see), amyloid neuropathy (see), sensory polyneuropathy (see .).

What does a person’s high pain threshold indicate?

Mommy

Nothing, this is an innate property, you just need to remember that if such a person feels pain, then he already HURTS very seriously, you need to listen to your body and not compare your feelings, not feel superior to others

Ilyas Abdulvagabov

Pain
It has been noticed that even Novocaine does not save people from panicking in the dentist’s office from pain. Such poor fellows usually have their teeth treated under anesthesia. Those who know how to control themselves do not need local anesthesia. A stoic's ability to endure suffering is determined not only by his emotional state. Scientists have found that the reserves of patience allotted to everyone are programmed in the genes. It is vital for a person who monitors their health to know their pain type. This information is no less important than information about weight, height, blood type and other characteristics of the body.
HOW TO COUNT A MILLION TORMENTS
Depending on the characteristics of the perception of pain, nature has divided people into 4 so-called nociceptive, or pain types (from the Latin “posege” - “damage that causes suffering”). A special pain meter, an algesimeter, helps doctors find out which of them a person belongs to. Gradually increasing the strength of the electric current, the intensity of the pressure, or heating a certain area of ​​the skin, the device notes the strength of the irritant that causes the first, still very weak, feeling of pain. This is the so-called pain threshold. After it, the unpleasant sensations will increase as long as you have enough patience. Your personal best is pain tolerance. Experts use this term to describe the strongest impact that you can withstand. The interval between these two values ​​also has a special name - the pain tolerance interval. A person’s readiness to experience suffering depends on its magnitude.
After analyzing the results obtained from a large amount of material from many years of research, scientists discovered an interesting fact: the perception of pain changes over the years. The most tender age is from 10 to 30 years. During this period people are most sensitive to painful sensations, although they are tolerated relatively easily. In those who are younger or older, pain sensitivity is reduced, but it is much more difficult for them to endure suffering.
An examination with an algesimeter - algometry - requires courage and endurance from the test subject, and district clinics are not yet equipped with such devices. There is no need to worry about this. Anyone who has visited the dentist at least once, gotten a bump, or applied iodine to a scratch can high probability judge your belonging to one or another pain type. This information is extremely important! When prescribing treatment, the doctor must imagine how the patient reacts to painful manipulations. This will help determine the method of drug administration (in tablets or by injection), select the appropriate analgesic in an individual dose and the method of pain relief during surgery. And in everyday life this knowledge will be useful. They will save you from many psychological problems: after all, the pain type is closely related to the internal makeup of the personality.
FOUR FACES IN THE MIRROR OF PAIN
1. The Princess and the Pea - low threshold and pain tolerance interval. Suffering is strictly contraindicated for a representative of this type! He acutely perceives pain (not only physical, but also mental) and by his nature is not able to endure it. These are usually called "people with strong skin." These are vulnerable and impressionable natures, prone to melancholy and loneliness. For them, entering the treatment room is like crossing the threshold of a torture chamber. In such a situation, calls to pull yourself together do not bring results: you can’t argue with physiology! Take it for granted: you need to protect yourself from injury and, if possible, avoid painful medical procedures. If such occur, ask your doctor to take enhanced measures against suffering. It is allowed to place a filling on a tooth only under local anesthesia, and to remove it under general anesthesia. The same rule applies to so-called minor surgical interventions: for example, for an ingrown toenail or appendicitis. There are usually

I've been visiting fairy tales since 2007

There was a normal threshold, but now it’s become... the body and especially the head - a sharp loss of sensitivity, sometimes I feel a burn, but when they “burn with fire” it makes me sick, are they sadists?
And everyone is interested and having fun.