When you hurt your toe (for instance), why does holding the painful toe with your hands make the pain less?

Question

Yes, I just hit my little to against the doorpost.

In: Biology

Answer 1

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Answer 2

It’s due to what is called the “gate control theory.” Simply put, the “ouchie” signal and the “not-ouchie” signals meet in your spinal cord, and can only send one signal to the brain. The non-painful signal (holding or touching) always wins, dampening the pain signal.

Answer 3

The sensory receptor for pressure is more sensitive than pain.

Btw the sensory for pain is also more sensitive than itch.

Which is why scratching reduce itchy feel