Pain Processing

Pain processing is the way your body detects and interprets signals indicating harm or potential injury. When tissue is damaged or threatened, specialized nerve endings send electrical signals through your nerves to your brain. Your brain then assesses these signals to determine if the sensation is painful, considering factors like context, emotions, and past experiences. This process helps you respond appropriately—such as withdrawing from danger or protecting hurt areas—while also modulating pain to prevent overreaction. Overall, pain processing involves a complex communication system that balances warning signals with your body's ability to heal and adapt.