A new study coming out of Oxford University has found that people who are part of a large and attentive social network have a higher tolerance for pain than those who are more isolated. Researchers found that maintaining social bonds has the effect of increasing the amount of endorphins in a person’s bloodstream.

Consequently, that higher endorphin rate allows highly social individuals to process the effects of pain better as they have a natural pain killer more powerful than morphine running through their bloodstream.

This study comes at an interesting time as the CDC has recently recommended that medical professionals curtail the use of prescription pain relievers because of their high risk for addiction. In addition to making sure they nurture their relationship with friends and family to treat their condition, chronic pain sufferers should look to other non-medicinal treatments to find relief.

For example, a number of studies have found that doing things like limiting your intake of caffeine, engaging in regular aerobic exercise and getting massages can greatly reduce the intensity and impact pain has on a person’s mental and physical health. Follow the link below to find out how spending time with those closest to you can increase your pain tolerance.

Read the full article here: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/309692.php