The human body is an intricate system. When we experience pain, the natural processes work to protect and heal. When functioning correctly, the body’s natural pain response is to release chemicals called endorphins.
In this blog, we’ll look at the following questions about endorphins and chronic pain:
- What are endorphins?
- Are endorphins considered opioids?
- What stimulates endorphins?
- Can endorphins ease chronic pain?
- How can I release endorphins naturally?
- What causes endorphin deficiency?
- What are the symptoms of low endorphins?
What are Endorphins?
Technically speaking, endorphins are feel-good chemical signals that function as neurotransmitters. Endorphins are released from the pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, located just at the base of the brain at the bottom of the hypothalamus.
The pituitary gland helps to control the following:
- Growth
- blood pressure
- Childbirth
- breast milk production
- thyroid gland function
- Metabolism
- water regulation in the body
- body temperature
Are Endorphins Considered Opioids?
While endorphins are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, opioids can mimic and trigger endorphins. Opioid medication offers similar effects, such as pain relief and mood boosts. When taken, opioids will compete with endorphins to bind to opioid receptors in the body.
What Stimulates Endorphins?
Endorphins are produced and released by the pituitary gland during exercise, excitement, pain, laughter, and love. There are estimated to be at least 20 types of endorphins that can get distributed throughout the nervous system. Endorphins can block nerve cells from releasing more pain signals to the brain and act like morphine and codeine.
Can Endorphins Ease Chronic Pain?
While there has not been an incredible amount of research conducted on the topic of releasing endorphins into the nervous system, many physicians believe there is a key in endorphins to help patients combat chronic pain without the risk of opiate addiction.
Some researchers believe that chronic pain patients have lower-than-normal endorphin levels in their spinal fluid, which is why opiate drugs like morphine and codeine are prescribed.
However, physicians must follow a fine line when prescribing opiate drugs so that their patients don’t become addicted or their bodies depleted of their natural opiates.
How Can I Release Endorphins Naturally?
There are many ways to release natural endorphins and opiates within our bodies, from exercise and diet to love and laughter. Pain in the body releases endorphins in spurts, allowing humans and animals incredible feats of strength and willpower when injured.
According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise can help to manage chronic pain by releasing endorphins. As hard as it may be to imagine exercising when in pain, researchers say the release of endorphins will block pain signals and help to curb anxiety and depression.
The clinic says exercise also helps build strength, improve flexibility, boost energy,
enhance mood, protect the heart and blood vessels, improve the quality of sleep and
help the body maintain a healthy weight.
What Causes Endorphin Deficiency?
While there are practices to increase endorphins, you can also build up an endorphin deficiency through both genetic and non-genetic factors. The main culprits of an endorphin deficiency include stress, substance abuse, depression and anxiety, chronic migraine, and fibromyalgia.
Endorphins release due to enjoyable experiences and activities. Prolonged mental or physical pain, such as from the above conditions, can prevent the release of endorphins, building up deficiency over time.
What are the Symptoms of Low Endorphins?
Lacking endorphins can lead to several complications. These symptoms include both physical and mental effects.
Symptoms of endorphin deficiency include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Overall body pain
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Sleep problems
- Impulsive behavior
Published On: March 18, 2011
Updated On: March 2, 2023
