Does swearing help you deal with some types of pain, such as an injury or the sudden stabbing pains we can get as part of fibromyalgia? A new study from Keele University's School of Psychology shows that people plunging their hands into ice water could keep it in there longer if they repeated some four-letter words.
I have to admit, I've uttered some choice phrases when hit by intense pain. And once I stopped to think about it, I realized it probably is easier to deal with pain when I'm able to swear (such as when I'm not around my children.) I've even developed some really silly-sounding "replacement" swear words to use when I can't say what I want to.
What do you think -- does swearing help with sudden bursts of pain? Take the poll, and leave your comments below!
Suggested Reading:
Yes, swearing or hitting something helps.
It’s as if you are being hit, and want to fight back, swearing is a way of “hitting”. Also, anger can release some helpful hormones that support your system.
This explains why I’ve been feeling so much worse staying in my mom’s home! I cannot express myself anywhere around here, there is no privacy. I can’t say anything off-color.
Setting up a splatter paint area helps.
You don’t have to use canvas, you can use wood or just about any other surface you have handy. Cardboard gets soggy and warps if you are using a substantial amount of paint.
Slinging paint is like swearing without offending anyone. Same with any destructive or loud activity.
I do plenty of swearing, but I’m not aware of doing if for fibro pain relief. I’ve had FM/CFS for more than 20 years and have never found a single thing that helps even a little (except scotch!), so I do plenty of cussing when I hurt so bad I can’t do things I need or want to do. Most of the time now, I just cry!
As well as FMS pain, I have severe arthritis pain in both knees. If I had to squat down, the pain was almost unbearable, and getting up was at the top of my pain threshold. Six months ago I found myself using a string of swear words that I have heard my husband use. I don’t make it a habit to swear, and certainly not out loud, but I found myself uttering the same “phrase” when I was getting ready to stand up. I was amazed when I noticed it really helped! I was further amazed when I read about this at WebMD and now in this article here.