The pain threshold allows us to endure unpleasant sensations up to a certain point. Interestingly, it is hardly possible to find two people with the same pain threshold; too many factors have an impact on this indicator. It is curious to figure out where our ability to endure pain comes from.
What is the sensitivity threshold ?
The threshold of sensitivity is the subjective reaction of the human body to the effects of traumatic factors that cause pain. Individual perception is as unique as the person himself.
This indicator is formed at the genetic level, but there are ways to change it, if you correctly understand what it depends on. For example, someone is not able to work even with a minor headache, while someone, on the contrary, is distracted from the pain, plunging into work.
Why this happens, and not otherwise, how the sensitivity threshold affects it, you need to figure it out.
Low pain threshold
A low threshold of sensitivity becomes a real torment for a person. Unbearable trials and unbearable pain bring even the simplest procedures, like blood sampling or ear piercing.
Doctors separately pay attention that such individual features must be warned in advance if any traumatic operation is being prepared. In this case, all necessary actions will be taken to avoid psychological trauma.
A low threshold is accompanied by an inability to endure discomfort, which greatly complicates the everyday life of an ordinary person.
High pain threshold
A high threshold of sensitivity does not imply that a person is able to expose himself to some kind of traumatic experiments. This statement only indicates that it is easier to perceive and tolerate stressful situations for the body.
It is proved that the threshold of pain sensitivity depends on the person’s psychotype. The absence of a certain level of fear of physical influences on the body often makes a person more active, prone to extreme situations.
Pain threshold in men
Studies have shown that sensitivity to pain is different in men and women. Evolutionary development has left its mark on the definition of pain threshold. A man has long been a hunter and earner, once such a definition was the most accurate.
In connection with this fact, it is proved that testosterone has an analgesic effect on the male body. It is easier for a man to endure injuries in a fight, minor cuts, other injuries. It is believed that in critical situations, testosterone levels increase sharply, which makes a man practically forget about the danger and pain.
If the hormonal background of the male body is disturbed, then this can affect its mental state and make it irritable and, so to speak, more feminine.
Pain threshold in women
In the female body, the perception of pain is more complex, which in many respects also depends on the hormonal background.
Historically, a woman has been considered the guardian of the outbreak, and therefore should not be exposed to constant danger. Because of this, in a calm state, her threshold of sensitivity is an indicator that is below the male level.
Scientists have proven several interesting facts about the female perception of pain.
- The lowest threshold of sensitivity in women occurs during menstruation.
- By the date of ovulation, the threshold reaches its maximum.
- In the morning, a woman is more vulnerable to adverse traumatic effects from the outside.
- The nervous system of a woman is more sensitive and faster succumbs to fears and panic, which helps to lower the threshold of sensitivity at a psychological level.
It is important to understand that in critical or vital situations a hormonal surge occurs , which acts as anesthesia. So, for example, during childbirth, the level of estrogen exceeds all permissible norms, which significantly increases the threshold of pain sensitivity. Such a mechanism is inherent in nature and helps a woman survive.
What determines the sensitivity threshold?
Based on the above, it can be concluded that the pain threshold depends on gender and genetic component. However, these are far from the only factors that influence our perception of pain.
You can prepare your own body for stressful situations if you know about them in advance. Scientists have also proved that the threshold of sensitivity is not a constant, it can be changed over the course of life.
Factors on which the pain threshold depends:
- Diseases of the nervous system.
- The course of acute and chronic inflammatory processes in the body.
- The degree of fatigue, overwork and stress.
- Individual physiological characteristics, genotype.
- The level of saturation of the body with vitamins and minerals.
- An individual psychological attitude for perceiving a stressful situation.
Most of these factors can be adjusted. Symptoms of the disease can be completely eliminated or minimized. The psychological state lends itself to change during therapy. Vitamin support of the body will be useful in any case, not only for changing the threshold of pain sensitivity.
How to determine your own pain threshold
Knowing your own pain threshold is useful, this will help determine the need for any procedures, as well as to understand whether anesthesia is needed. The sensitivity threshold can be determined in medical conditions, using a special apparatus - an algesimeter.
Sensors of a special device are mounted on the area between the toes and hands of a person. The sensitivity of the analyzers and the threshold of sensitivity are directly related. In this area, human skin is tender and more sensitive to external influences.
The principle of the apparatus is as follows:
- Skin areas are exposed to heat and light electric current.
- The lower threshold is determined by pain, which begins to cause discomfort.
- The upper threshold is fixed at the maximum to which a person is able to tolerate pain and discomfort.
The high pain threshold seems to many a kind of superpower. However, it is accompanied by reduced sensitivity, which also reduces the level of sensation during intercourse. Massages, essential oils, seafood help to increase the level of perception of sensations.
The low threshold of pain sensitivity can also be changed. It is proved that regular physical activity and a stable sex life increase endurance and contribute to the stable production of hormones necessary for the body. In addition, you can resort to simple actions and increase the threshold:
- Yoga classes, meditation.
- A diet that includes foods rich in vitamin B.
- Eating hot peppers, ginger, mustard.
It is important to tune yourself in the right psychological way, then the body will perceive what is happening completely differently, and the pain threshold will increase.