In a study published in the current issue of the journal Pain, researchers found that the brain’s structure is related to how intensely people perceive pain. The findings show that individual differences in the amount of grey matter in certain regions of the brain are related to how sensitive different people are to pain. Grey matter processes information much like a computer, while white matter coordinates communication between difference regions of the brain. Scientists discovered that people with higher pain intensity ratings had less grey matter in brain regions contributing to internal thoughts and attention control. Understanding the key differences between brain structures can provide insight into the development of pain treatment and prevention. To find out more about this study, click here.