We feel pain because it’s our body’s warning system — kind of like an alarm. Pain tells us that something is wrong and needs attention.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Detection: When something harmful happens (like touching something hot or getting hurt), special nerve endings called nociceptors detect it.
Signal to the brain: These nerves send signals through the spinal cord to the brain.
Processing: The brain processes the signals and says, “Ouch! This is pain!” — so you become aware that something is wrong.
Reaction: Because of that feeling, you move your hand away, rest the injured part, or seek help. Pain helps protect you and helps the body heal.
Why do we have to feel it, though?
If we didn’t feel pain, we could get seriously injured without realizing it. For example, some people with rare conditions that stop them from feeling pain often end up with broken bones, burns, or infections — because they don’t get the warning.
So even though pain feels bad, it’s actually a sign that your body is working to protect you.