DocNessMonster

A blog on Neuroscience and Pain Research

  • When You Don’t Feel Pain: Why the Ability to Hurt Actually Saves Your Life
    Not feeling pain might sound like a dream—especially if you live with chronic pain—but pain is one of the body’s most important protective systems. People with congenital insensitivity to pain often break bones, burn themselves, and never know it. Understanding why pain exists reveals just how vital those “ouch” signals really are.
  • When Your Nerves Get Trigger-Happy: Understanding Peripheral Sensitization
    Lingering pain, despite healing, may stem from peripheral sensitization, where nerves become overly sensitive. This can lead to pain from stimuli that typically wouldn’t hurt, known as allodynia and hyperalgesia. Strategies for relief include graded movement, stress reduction, adequate sleep, addressing fear, and certain medications, which can help recalibrate the nervous system.
  • 3 Myths About Chronic Pain and the Power of Movement
    Living with chronic pain often involves misunderstandings about movement. Contrary to common myths, mild discomfort is not harmful, and inactivity worsens sensitivity. Gentle exercise can enhance muscle strength and reduce pain sensations. Consistent, graded movement, rather than rest, is key to improvement, allowing individuals to reclaim enjoyable activities over time.