What is the relationship between neurotransmitters and pain?
neurotransmitters are chemicals in the nervous system that help transmit information between neurons. Some neurotransmitters are responsible for the transmission of pain signals while others help block the pain. Scientists examine the relationship between different types of neurotransmitters and pain in the hope of creating a new treatment of chronic pain.
messages are sent by the nervous system using electrical and chemical signals. Electrical signals pass through the nerves themselves, but the nerves are separated by small gaps known as synapses through which they cannot pass electrical signals. At the end of the nerve cells, these signals are converted into chemical signals in the form of neurotransmitters that transmit a message across the synapse into another nerve cell.
Some of the most important messages sent in the nervous system are pain about pain. Pain signals the body that something is not wrong and that one feels paint should take steps to repair it, for example by removing the handof hot stoves. Various neurons, neurotransmitters and pain responses cooperate to prevent unnecessary body damage.
When the pain becomes unmanageable, most people turn to painkillers. Pain doctor, such as acetaminophene or ibuprofen, works rather by blocking the enzyme known as cyclooxygenase (COX) rather than direct neurotransmitters. These over -the -counter medicines should not usually be taken for a longer period of time because they tend to lose efficiency the longer they are taken.
In order to provide stronger pain relief, many doctors recommend treatment that uses the relationship between neurotransmitters and pain. For example, a neurotransmitter serotonin is usually associated with mood because serotonin deficiencies often lead to depression. However, one of its smaller-known function is to block excess pain signals. For this reason, antide may be used to treat chronic painPresiva in selective class inhibitors of serotonin (SSRI) inhibitors.
endorphins are another combination between neurotransmitters and pain. This natural painkillers works in a way that is closely related to morphine. However, endorphins are mainly produced by exercise. Therefore, the constant exercise regime can help handle pain better than many other drugs.