Instagram video sparks pain ranking debate

An Instagram video by Dr. Alexandre Mensier, a visceral surgeon, has reignited public interest in the topic of intense pain, prompting discussions about what is considered the worst pain to experience.

Dr. Mensier shares personal insights

In the video, Dr. Mensier proposes a list of what he considers the "worst pains," including childbirth without an epidural, renal colic, and trigeminal neuralgia. However, he also adds a humorous note about "a cold in men," highlighting the subjective nature of pain.

Medical community emphasizes subjectivity

The medical field does not recognize a universal ranking of pain intensity. Pain is influenced by individual factors such as physical condition, emotional state, and personal history, making it a highly subjective experience.

Pain is both sensory and emotional

According to the international definition of pain, it is not only a sensory experience but also deeply tied to emotions. This means that two people with similar injuries or conditions may describe and endure their pain in entirely different ways.

Viral lists should be viewed as stories, not facts

While viral rankings of pain can raise awareness about particularly intense experiences, they should not be taken as objective evidence. They serve more as personal narratives than as medical guidelines or definitive rankings.