Skip to main content

How do pain relievers work? - George Zaidan

4,028,224 Views

25,032 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Some people take aspirin or ibuprofen to treat everyday aches and pains, but how exactly do the different classes of pain relievers work? Learn about the basic physiology of how humans experience pain, and the mechanics of the medicines we've invented to block or circumvent that discomfort.

Why do nociceptors cells have a threshold (think about what would happen if they didn’t)? And why is that threshold changeable? Think about situations in which your body might want to “turn up the pain volume” (or turn it down).

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

More from Getting Under Our Skin