Does exercise increase your "pain tolerance"? The latest research has revealed surprising effects!
Hello, I'm John, your health and money supporter! Do you have concerns like "I don't like pain..." or "Even the smallest things hurt me easily"? In fact, our limit at which we feel "pain!", or our "pain tolerance," may not be determined from birth. Recent research has revealed that there is a possibility that doing certain things can increase this tolerance. In this article, I'll explain the secret and how you can use it in your daily life in an easy-to-understand way!
What is "pain tolerance" anyway? Can it be trained?
Have you ever heard of the term "pain tolerance"? Simply put,"How much pain can you tolerate?"This refers to the power of the body to withstand pain. We often say things like, "That person can withstand pain well," or "I can't withstand pain well."
Some people may think, "Whether we can tolerate pain is something we're born with, and it can't be changed, right?" However, that may not actually be the case! Recent research has shown that this "pain tolerance" can be improved by doing certain things.
In this article, we will explain, in an easy-to-understand manner even for beginners, what this ``something'' is and how it can benefit our health, especially chronic pain.
Is it true that exercise makes the body more resistant to pain? Here's the mechanism!
Well, that "something" is exactly that."motion"You may be surprised and ask yourself, "What? Exercise makes you more tolerant to pain?" However, research has shown that people who exercise regularly tend to have a higher pain tolerance than those who don't.
So why does exercise help build a body that can withstand pain? There are several possible reasons.
- The role of endorphins, the happy hormone:When you exercise, your brain secretes a lot of a substance called "endorphins." These are substances produced in the brain that elevate your mood and relieve pain. They are sometimes called "brain drugs" and are said to be the cause of runner's high. It's like your body is producing a natural painkiller!
- Improves mood and reduces stress:Exercise can help you change your mood and reduce stress. Being stressed can make you more susceptible to pain, so it's important to refresh your mind through exercise.
- May reduce inflammation:Inflammation is like a small fire that occurs inside the body, and if it continues for a long time, it can cause pain. It depends on the type and intensity of exercise, but in the long term, exercise is said to have the effect of suppressing inflammation in the body.
- Does your pain perception change?It has also been pointed out that regular exercise may have a positive effect on how the brain processes pain signals, potentially changing the way we perceive pain. In other words, the same stimulus may be perceived as less painful.
It is believed that these factors work in combination to help exercise increase our "pain tolerance."
What kind of exercise is good? Advice for beginners
You may be wondering, "So, what kind of exercise should I do?" You don't have to imagine any special, strenuous exercise! Research has shown thatRegular and moderate exerciseThe key point is:
For beginners, here are some recommended exercises:
- Walking:It's the easiest form of exercise to start. Start with a short period of time and gradually increase the distance and time. It's also good to walk while enjoying the scenery.
- Light jogging:Once you get used to walking, you can try picking up your pace a little, as long as you can do so within your limits.
- Swimming and water walking:Water puts less strain on the body, so it is also recommended for those with joint problems.
- Yoga and stretching:It will increase your body's flexibility and have a relaxing effect. If you focus on deep breathing while doing it, it will also calm your mind.
The important thing is"Keep going"And"Having fun"Start with about 30 minutes a few times a week and find an exercise that feels good. You'll be able to continue for a longer period if you feel good or refreshed rather than doing it out of a sense of obligation.
If you have any chronic illnesses or are unsure about exercising, we recommend you consult your doctor before starting.
Severe chronic pain...maybe exercise is a ray of hope?
The results of this research may bring great hope, especially to those who have suffered from chronic pain for many years.
Chronic pain is pain that continues for more than three months after an injury or illness has healed. The cause may not be clear, and it often has a major impact on daily life. Some people may be suffering, wondering, "Am I going to have to live with this pain for the rest of my life?"
Of course, exercise is not a magic wand that will make all pain disappear, but it can help improve your pain tolerance.Possibly reduce pain sensation and allow people to be more active despite painWe can expect this.
When you are in pain, it can be difficult to move your body, but by working with an expert and gradually incorporating moderate exercise that suits you, you may be able to improve your quality of life (QOL).
John's words
Wow, exercise is really profound! It's a great discovery to know that it can not only strengthen your body, but also change the way you feel pain. I tend to get stiff from desk work, so while I was writing today's article, I thought to myself, "Okay, I'll go for a walk!" (laughs). Why don't you all start with a small step?
This article is based on the following original articles and is summarized from the author's perspective:
Your Pain Tolerance Isn't Static — Research Shows How To
Increase It