STUDY: Having lots of friends is better painkiller than morphine…

Friends are like morphine
Friends are like morphine

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The relationship between social dynamics and pain tolerance is a fascinating subject explored by researchers at Oxford University. According to their findings, individuals who are part of larger social groups may exhibit an increased tolerance for pain. This discovery sheds light on the complex interplay between our social connections and our physical well-being.

Pain management has been a fundamental aspect of medical science, and morphine, classified as a potent opiate, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. It directly targets the central nervous system to alleviate the sensation of pain. This versatile medication finds application in a range of pain scenarios, from acute to chronic pain. Whether it’s relief from the pain associated with a myocardial infarction or the discomfort of labor during childbirth, morphine has been a dependable option. Its administration can take various forms, such as oral consumption, intramuscular injection, subcutaneous injection, intravenous infusion, epidural injection around the spinal cord, or even rectal administration. The onset of its effect varies depending on the route of administration, with intravenous injection providing relief within approximately 20 minutes and oral ingestion taking around 60 minutes. The duration of the pain-relieving effect spans from three to seven hours, although long-acting formulations have also been developed to extend this period.

Endorphins, often referred to as “endogenous morphine,” represent a class of naturally occurring opioid neuropeptides within our bodies. These neuropeptides are produced by both the central nervous system and the pituitary gland. The term “endorphin” suggests a pharmacological activity akin to the corticosteroid category, implying a function in pain modulation rather than specifying a particular chemical compound. This group includes several key members: α-endorphin, β-endorphin, γ-endorphin, α-neo-endorphin, and β-neo-endorphin. The primary role of endorphins revolves around inhibiting the transmission of pain signals, effectively reducing the perception of pain. In addition to this pain-blocking function, endorphins are associated with feelings of euphoria, often likened to the pleasurable sensations induced by other opioid substances.

The research from Oxford University highlighting the link between social group size and pain tolerance suggests that the very nature of our social interactions can influence our physical experiences. While the precise mechanisms behind this phenomenon are still under investigation, it underscores the intricate ways in which our bodies and minds are interconnected. These findings may have broader implications, not only in the realm of pain management but also in understanding the far-reaching effects of our social bonds on our overall well-being. The journey to unravel these connections continues, promising to reveal more about the fascinating relationship between our social lives and our perception of pain.

About Yegor Khzokhlachev 797 Articles
Gorilla at Large

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