Experts Explain Why Some People Tolerate Pain Better Than Others Fitness and Health December 10, 2024 03:45

Pain threshold is the point at which an event (such as heat, cold, or pressure) becomes painful. But there is also the term “pain tolerance”. In principle, it tells you how much pain a person can endure. Both of these concepts are often confused in daily life, but they relate to different aspects of the pain experience.

In general, the pain threshold is a “zone of uncertainty” rather than a fixed point of transition from a painless state to a painful state.

Various factors can affect pain threshold. Here are some of them.

Sex and gender differences. In experimental conditions, men generally have a higher pain threshold than women. This may be related to hormones. On the other hand, this may also be affected by social norms that require men to be more resilient than women.

hair color. According to some studies, people with red hair may experience pain differently due to a variant of the MC1R gene. For example, they may have a lower pain threshold for heat and a higher pain threshold for electricity.

Nervous system. Some people with long-term pain may have a lower pain threshold. This is because their nervous systems are in a high state of preparedness for danger.

immune system. Inflammation in the body, such as cold or flu, can lower the pain threshold. Therefore, anything during the illness can cause a headache or body ache. An acute injury, such as an ankle sprain, also causes inflammation, which lowers the pain threshold.

Psychology. Anxiety, fear, and worry about pain are associated with a lower pain threshold. Mindfulness and relaxation practices can increase pain tolerance.

social impact. Some cultures encourage stoicism, while others view open expression of discomfort as normal.