does it really help or protect in any way?
In: Biology
It appears that assuming the fetal position, where one curls up in a ball, has both physical and psychological comforting effects on individuals. Many who have endured severe trauma instinctively adopt this posture. Additionally, it’s common for people to sleep in a variation of this position, lying on their side with knees tucked and body curled forward. Moreover, being covered with a thick blanket tends to provide comfort, which is why emergency workers often have such blankets for trauma victims. Even certain animals, like orphaned elephants, respond positively to blankets for psychological comfort during rehabilitation.
One reason for the soothing effect of curling up may be psychological comfort.
Furthermore, curling up reduces tension on the abdominal area. When lying straight or standing, the abdomen is stretched, increasing pressure/stimulation on the gastrointestinal tract. This heightened stimulation, even from seemingly minor sources like a waistband or seatbelt, can exacerbate nausea. Therefore, assuming a position that reduces stimulation in that region can help alleviate discomfort.
Your abdomen is your main place with a bunch of organs and not my protection if you are gonna pass out covering that as much as possible is probably your best bet.
Im not sure i agree with the question. I don’t think all (or even most) people go into fetal position as a response to pain. From personal experience I’ve been up to an 8 on the pain scale and if anything i wanted to run. Aside from having a compound fracture in two places on the same leg..
I say run because i was basically having a panic attack due to the pain being intolerable and the idea of it not going away immediately made me freak out.
The fetal position is a natural one that our body returns to, not just because it was the way it developed to begin with but also (or relatedly) because it protects our softest, most vulnerable area (our stomach, abdominal cavity) as well as offering the most possible protection to the most vulnerable parts of our head, our eyes nose mouth and optionally our ears. It also covers the front of the throat with the chin.
First off, it is called The Fetal position (British English: also foetal); is the positioning of the body of a prenatal fetus as it develops. In this position, the back is curved, the head is bowed, and the limbs are bent and drawn up to the torso. A compact position is typical for fetuses.
Not fetus position! Are you five?
My guess would be an evolutionary trait so secure body heat and protection for your organs. Kinda like how we instinctively protect our eyes when we are about to get hit
The abdominal region has no bones to protect it, and it’s naturally the weakest area. So we instinctively curl up to protect this exposed part
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