Why does physical pain need to be so strong?

Question

Obviously from caveman times we needed to feel pain to teach us it is not good to stick your hand in fire or a tiger's mouth, but why does it need to be so strong? Surely, survival speaking, it would be better to have a mild pain sensation to warn us that then disappears within minutes. What purpose does it serve that pain lasts so long?

Answer 1

There are two types of pain that reach your brain through different types of nerve fibres. A-delta pain gets to the brain quickly. This is the finger-in-the-fire pain, it tells you to do something quick, like move your finger. You may not have any control over the movement because it is dealt with at a very low level in your nervous system, that means you can get away from the danger quickly.

The second kind of pain is carried by c fibres. This pain tells you that you have damaged a body part, so you need to attend to it - rub it if it is a bruise or clean it up if it is a cut, and it warns you that you should be careful about using that part of your body. The c fibres are also connected to the emotional centres in your brain, which is why you know that pain is a bad thing.

You will have noticed the 2 kinds of pain if you have ever burned yourself. You get the instant sharp sting which goes away quickly, then after a couple of seconds the really nasty burning pain kicks in.

In some diseases, like leprosy, the pain fibres get damaged so the sufferer feels no pain. When they damage their hands and feet they don't feel it, cuts and scratches go untended and get infected. That's the reason lepers often have fingers and toes missing.

Answer 2

maybe you should stop being a wimp and go and rip someone's head off like in the old days.

it's strong as if it wasnt, we'd continue to do stupid things that damanged the body ENDING IN US ALL DIEING IN DRUG FUELED ORGIES!

Answer 3

If it wasn't so strong, people would ignore it.

For example I ignored a kidney infection because the pain wasn't so bad.

My dad broke his arm and slept with a broken arm for one night because the pain wasn't so bad.

Answer 4

The drug fueled orgies sound like fun.

Anyway, the human nervous system is exquisitely sensitive thanks to the fact that we have such a large brain and such a widespread nervous system. Also, some people are noticeably less sensitive to pain. Boxers for example seem to be able to take a lot of it, and that mostly comes from training and sparring. I could walk barefoot for a few feet in snow to take a tinkle at night. My GF complained over and over about how horrible it was.

People can also isolate pain and meditate to bring the intensity down. You can do this through yoga.

Answer 5

Its what kept us alive for thousands of years, its not going to just go away. Its bothersome but evolutionarily its a life saver. not only does it let us know when we shouldnt do something that hurts, but the strength of the pain encourages us not to take stupid risks.

Answer 6

To let you know something is wrong and to get your attention.