Do some people feel pain less?

The science behind pain tolerance reveals surprising truths about humans nad bodily resilience

We've all heard someone claim they have a "high pain threshold" as if it's a mark of strength or resilience. But does science support the idea that some people genuinely feel less pain than others?

Pain is an experience shaped by our psychology and social context, with many variables.

Researchers who interviewed children about their experiences of pain, said that many link pain to "toughness." It seems that social expectations shape understanding of pain from a young age. There are also plenty of misconceptions about pain thresholds, which contribute to health-care inequities that affect millions of people.

What is (and isn't) a pain threshold?

A pain threshold technically refers to the point at which an event - such as heat, cold, or pressure - becomes painful.

It's not the same as pain tolerance, which measures how much pain someone can endure before they require relief.

While these two terms often become muddled in everyday language, they describe different facets of the pain experience. Distinguishing between them is crucial, especially in research settings.