We are bombarded with hundreds, if not thousands, of “signals” in our day-to-day lives, such as phone notifications or TV ads. These signals are designed to draw our attention, but we are so used to them that we usually don’t give them a second thought. Now think of a deafening fire alarm or a foul-smelling gas leak. Hard to ignore, right? That means they have been designed well, since their goal is to warn you of impending danger.

For many people, even reading the word “pain” may elicit unpleasant memories or emotions. Wouldn’t it be great to never feel pain? Why does it even exist? Well, like the examples given above, pain is the body’s alarm system that we cannot ignore and should be thankful for. Our brain is a complicated hub that receives and sends out innumerable signals every second and is in constant communication with every corner of the body. Whenever an organ is in distress, it alerts the brain. In turn, the brain prioritizes that organ by sending back a specialized signal—one that we perceive as pain.

Let’s take a deeper dive into how the pain signal is transmitted and where it goes. Similar to our senses of touch and temperature, pain is transmitted through neurons in the spinal cord that connect to the pain centers in the brain. The two main types of nerve fibers involved in carrying pain signals are called Type A and Type C nerve fibers. Type A nerve fibers are larger and covered in an electrical isolating material called myelin. These characteristics allow for the pain signal to be transmitted very quickly. The pain we feel when these nerves are stimulated is fast and sharp, like from a cut. Type C nerve fibers are thinner and are not electrically isolated, causing the pain signals to travel slower. The pain we feel when these nerves are stimulated is slow and dull, like from a bruise.

Wired for quick action

The varying structures of nerve fibers lead to different types of pain; however, the way they are wired is even more fascinating! Although a portion of these nerve fibers travel up to the brain to produce the sensation of pain, a portion of them also connect directly to another set of nerve fibers in the spinal cord that control our muscles. This basically forms a short circuit that causes us to retract our limb from the source of pain, like when we touch something hot. This decision is not made by the brain and is out of our control. This reflex is therefore called a “spinal cord reflex” and can occur even in patients diagnosed as brain dead! Our body is wired to trigger quick and decisive actions that protect us from harm.

Humankind has yet to invent a better and more precise medical alarm system than pain. Someone experiencing pain cannot work, cannot eat, and cannot sleep. They will go to any lengths to alleviate that pain. Although painkillers may provide temporary relief, pain will not relent until the problem is solved. Therefore, people with pain end up seeing a doctor. Although it may sound cruel, pain is a doctor’s best friend. In most cases, it tells them exactly what is wrong. A fire alarm cannot tell you where the fire is; it only tells you that it exists. Pain does so much more. There are many different types and qualities of pain, some of which are extremely specific for certain conditions. Let’s go over some common causes of pain and see how temporary suffering can prevent permanent lifelong consequences.

Let’s start with the pain we are most familiar with: the headache. In most cases, headaches are mild inconveniences caused by stress. These mild headaches are great at highlighting the things that cause our bodies stress, such as overworking, loud noises, or bright lights. People learn from their headaches and begin avoiding these stressors, preventing longer term damage to their bodies. In more extreme cases, however, headaches can be the first symptom of something more dangerous. Persistent and severe headaches usually warrant further workup and can help doctors catch high blood pressure or brain masses at their early stages.

Another common source of pain is the belly. Abdominal pain comes in all shapes and sizes; it can be sharp, achy, or crampy. It can be in a certain spot or all over. It can even move around! Our bellies are home to most of our organs, each with their own “pain signature.” An appendix that is about to burst starts signaling as a generalized pain across the belly, which later localizes until it becomes a sharp pain in the right lower corner. A gallbladder burdened by stones is more sudden and consistent; it signals the right upper corner and stays put. A distressed stomach signals the upper middle; twisted intestines signal the lower left; and obstructed kidneys signal the sides. To laypeople, all of these are a “bellyache.” But to doctors, these pain signatures serve as a window into your insides and help prevent catastrophe.

The impending doom!

Our last example is probably the most dreaded one, and for good reason: chest pain. Even though the chest doesn’t house as many organs as the belly, the ones that do reside there are the most vital ones – most notably, our heart. The pain radiated by a heart that is thirsty for oxygen is unique. Suddenly, you feel as if an elephant sat on your chest, and this sensation may extend to your arms or neck. This pain is usually accompanied by shortness of breath and a sense of impending doom (yes, this is a real medical term!). The severity of the pain is proportional to the severity of the condition, and anyone who reports this kind of chest pain will be taken seriously in the hospital. Usually, an obstructed blood vessel is found in the heart, which is then opened or bypassed, terminating the pain. If done early enough, this intervention can prevent a fatal heart attack looming around the corner.

If our body is like a priceless spaceship with the utmost sophistication, then it makes sense that it has an advanced and detailed alarm and early detection system constantly monitored by innumerable screens in the spaceship’s command center. If an engine is about to fail, you see a signal on one monitor; if fuel is about to run out, you detect it on another monitor; if the air pressure in the cabin is lower or higher than desired, still another monitor sends you a message; if a gear loses grip, you can tell which one it is exactly among thousands just by checking yet another monitor. Isn’t it obvious that we are blessed with such a painstakingly wondrous body entrusted to us to maintain and use properly?