Ouch! Why Do We Feel Pain?

Ouch! That hurts! Feeling pain occasionally is simply part of the human experience, but do you know why your hand retracts before you’ve even had time to comprehend the hot pan underneath it? Or why we experience a dull ache sometimes and sharp pain at others? The short answer is nociceptors, which are involved in your nervous system’s response to pain. They seek to warn your body of any impending dangers and get you out of harm’s way.

About the Author

Lynnie Fein-Schaffer

Lynnie is the former Outreach Associate for BrainFacts.org. She graduated from Smith College in 2017 with degrees in economics and psychology.