Touch can reduce pain through mechanisms that start in the spinal cord, where touch signals can dampen the signals of pain-responsive neurons, and potentially involve the brain as well.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Spinal Cord Level: Research indicates that touch activates pathways that inhibit the activity of neurons in the spinal cord responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. Essentially, the touch sensation "overrides" or reduces the intensity of the pain signals being sent. This is akin to closing a gate to incoming pain information.
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Brain Involvement: While the spinal cord plays a crucial role, there's growing evidence that the brain is also involved in touch-mediated pain relief. The exact mechanisms within the brain are still being investigated.
In simpler terms, imagine hitting your thumb with a hammer. Your immediate reaction is likely to rub or hold the injured thumb. This tactile input (touch) doesn't eliminate the pain entirely, but it provides some relief. This relief is likely due to the touch signals competing with the pain signals at the level of the spinal cord and possibly also involving descending pathways from the brain.
