why cant we just remove the pain receptors from a person with chronic pain?
In: Biology
Short long answer is that there isn’t really such a thing as a pain receptor. We have nerves that detect temperature, sharp dull light touch, vibration, stretch etc, but whether these sensations are interpreted as painful is heavily moderated by higher functions and the perception of threat.
For example, some people find chilli burn pleasurable, some can’t tolerate it at all. Same receptor type, although probably with varied sensitivity.
Some people enjoy things in the privacy of their own homes that would not be at all pleasurable as a POW.
Removing sensation from body parts increases risk of injury and infection. Diabetic ulcers on insensate feet are a major problem and often aren’t noticed until quite advanced.
Beyond that, nerve blocks and Rhizolysis are absolutely a thing and can be very effective, but long-term anaesthesia to large areas is very problematic.
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