Stub your toe, "OW!"

Burn your hand cooking, "OW!"

Rough-house with kids and take knee to the head, "OW!"

What is it with saying 'ow' that makes our pain more tolerable?  Here's where science comes into play.

Scientists from the National University of Singapore were looking to find out why we cry out when in pain.  They conducted an experiment where they had people plunge their hands into extremely cold water.  Of the 56 participants, those who said “ow” could hold their hand in the ice water for up to three-and-a-half minutes longer.

Science!  That subject I really never paid attention to in 8th grade.

The scientists believe that the muscle movements involved in making the “ow” sound may be involved in helping reduce pain.

You can read more on this discovery in the Journal of Pain.

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