Intriguing Scientific Discovery: Texting as a Pain Reliever?

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People often tease me about my smartphone dependency, but I felt a sense of validation when I stumbled upon a fascinating study that highlights the perks of texting right before undergoing surgery. According to research published in the journal Pain Medicine, individuals who text shortly before receiving anesthesia tend to require fewer painkillers post-surgery.

Interestingly, it’s not just any distraction that works. The study compared participants who texted with those who played Angry Birds, and the latter group ended up requesting more pain relief than those who were texting. Perhaps a different game, like Candy Crush, would have provided a more calming experience.

As someone who was glued to my Blackberry during labor with my daughter (back in 2007, right after the iPhone was released!), I can relate. I wasn’t one of those people who prioritized work over childbirth; instead, I just needed something to occupy my mind during those dull moments between contractions. It also felt a bit amusing to receive messages in all caps asking, “WHY ARE YOU ON YOUR BLACKBERRY, AREN’T YOU IN LABOR?” But more than that, it was refreshing to talk about something other than the impending arrival of my baby.

What’s particularly intriguing about this study is that texting a stranger proved to be more beneficial than communicating with a friend. This makes sense because friends are more likely to express sympathy regarding the upcoming procedure, which can inadvertently amplify anxiety. In contrast, chatting with a stranger provides an escape to discuss entirely different topics, much like how I engaged in work emails while in labor.

Patients who avoided their phones were six times more likely to request additional pain medication compared to those who engaged in light-hearted texting with researchers. This revelation sparked an idea—could we create a service that connects individuals with friendly strangers to text before they go under the knife? Users could select topics of interest, similar to how lonely friends post on social media, “I need someone to talk about my favorite show!”

I envision a platform where freelancers can sign up to chat with patients before their procedures, offering a unique and supportive experience. It’s a perfect opportunity for shy individuals since all they need to do is text. The possibilities are endless!

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In summary, it seems that texting can provide a surprising benefit by reducing pain medication needs for patients before surgery. Engaging with strangers might be a unique distraction that alleviates anxiety, paving the way for innovative support services in healthcare settings.