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The mysterious disappearance of pain: Why does exercise make you feel less pain?
Pain is an unavoidable experience in our daily lives. However, when the body exercises, the perception of pain seems to be reduced, and the reasons behind this phenomenon have aroused the curiosity of many scientific researchers. Why, exactly, does exercise make us feel less pain? Research suggests that it all has to do with biochemical reactions inside our bodies, specifically mechanisms related to endogenous opioids and blood pressure.
Mechanisms of reducing pain
The perception of pain depends on the work of the nervous system. When external stimuli (such as strenuous exercise) are transmitted to the nervous system, a series of biochemical reactions are initiated. These reactions often result in a phenomenon called hypoalgesia.
"The reduction in pain perception can be explained by increased blood pressure and the release of endogenous opioids."
Exercise and endogenous opiates
During exercise, the body releases endogenous opioids such as endorphins and enkephalins. These substances are able to modulate pain perception and may explain why we feel less pain after strenuous exercise. Many studies have found that as blood pressure increases, the release of these endogenous opiates also increases accordingly.
The relationship between fear and painIn addition to exercise, fear can also lead to a reduction in pain perception. When the body faces a threat, it automatically activates its defense mechanism in order to survive, resulting in a state of "reduced pain perception." The physiological mechanisms behind this state are similar to those that underlie opiate release during exercise, but exactly how they work remains unclear.
The link between disease and pain"The instinctive response of fear allows us to reduce our perception of pain in the face of danger, which is a manifestation of a protective mechanism."
In addition to movement and emotional factors, certain diseases can also affect pain perception. For example, CIPA (inherited pain perception disorder) causes patients to be completely unable to perceive pain, which not only makes them unable to recognize their own injuries but can also cause serious physical damage. Likewise, people with diabetes sometimes experience a decreased sense of pain, often related to diabetic neuropathy.
Implications for Research
Although our understanding of the mechanism of exercise-induced hypoalgesia is still incomplete, scientific research has provided many interesting perspectives. Future research will continue to explore how exercise affects pain perception through biochemical reactions. A deeper understanding will help develop new pain relief therapies and strategies.
Conclusion“Studying the effects of exercise on pain perception will not only help improve athletic performance, but may also revolutionize pain management methods.”
The hypoalgesic effect of exercise is a complex biological phenomenon involving the interaction of multiple mechanisms. This is not only a response to pain perception, but also the result of long-term human evolution. How does our body coordinate these shifts in sensation in completely different situations, whether it's exercise or fear?
