If you are trying to get your mind off pain, think of something pleasant.
Researchers studied 13 subjects exposed to small yet painful electric shocks, which caused knee-jerk reactions controlled by the spine. Subjects were shown a succession of images that were pleasant (e.g. summer water-skiing), unpleasant (e.g. a vicious bear) or neutral (e.g. a book) and their brain reaction was simultaneously measured through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
It was found that negative and positive emotions had a direct impact on pain. When the brain perceived pain, it was amplified when combined with negative emotions. Emotions or mood altered how the participants reacted to pain.
The findings revealed that unpleasant pictures elicited stronger pain in subjects getting shocks than pleasant pictures. This confirms that emotions influence pain.
The researchers suggested that non-drug interventions or mood enhancers such as photography or music could be used in healthcare to help relieve pain. These interventions would be inexpensive and easy to apply.
Researchers studied 13 subjects exposed to small yet painful electric shocks, which caused knee-jerk reactions controlled by the spine. Subjects were shown a succession of images that were pleasant (e.g. summer water-skiing), unpleasant (e.g. a vicious bear) or neutral (e.g. a book) and their brain reaction was simultaneously measured through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
It was found that negative and positive emotions had a direct impact on pain. When the brain perceived pain, it was amplified when combined with negative emotions. Emotions or mood altered how the participants reacted to pain.
The findings revealed that unpleasant pictures elicited stronger pain in subjects getting shocks than pleasant pictures. This confirms that emotions influence pain.
The researchers suggested that non-drug interventions or mood enhancers such as photography or music could be used in healthcare to help relieve pain. These interventions would be inexpensive and easy to apply.