06/06/2026
Happy weekend everyone!
This is a weird post and rather self indulgent, but there is a point.
For as long as I can remember, I've suffered with painfully tight shoulders and neck and this is now accompanied by bursitis in both hips.
I recently started going to a lovely osteopath who asked me about my lifestyle etc and proceeded to treat my issues as we chatted about books and dogs etc
One of the questions he asked me was 'What do you do for fun?' and I answered that I enjoy training dogs, training my own dogs, going to classes, reading and doing things with my son etc Not satisfied with that answer, he asked it again with an emphasis on the YOU and FUN. I mean, I wasn't fibbing; I do those things for fun, but i get what he meant! He then continued, 'Do you socialise much?'
I was a bit confused as to where this was going. He responded saying that people who socialise a lot tend not to suffer as much with aches and pains.
So, being a bit of a geek, I did some reading on this and it turns out that there is something in it! Obviously, I am aware that this is not the case for everyone, but I found it quite interesting!
Here's what google tells me:
People with larger, more active social circles actually boast higher pain thresholds and suffer from fewer chronic aches and pains compared to their isolated peers.
A strong squad offers more than just emotional support; it provides direct biological and psychological relief:
The Endorphin Boost: Research from the University of Oxford reveals that socializing triggers the brain’s endorphin system. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers—often acting more powerfully than morphine—and are released during positive social interactions.
Reduced Inflammation: Loneliness acts as a chronic stressor. When socially disconnected, the body responds with higher levels of white blood cell inflammation, which heightens the physical feeling of pain.
Lowered Anxiety: Social connectedness directly reduces anxiety, which in turn acts as a buffer to lower overall chronic pain scores.
Conversely, loneliness and social isolation are linked to twice the odds of experiencing physical pain and distress.
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/apr/28/people-with-more-friends-have-higher-pain-thresholds-study-suggests
https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/119260-study-reveals-that-a-larger-social-circle-increases-pain-tolerance
So, I, naturally, began thinking about dogs can also play a part in this. Getting out and walking with our dog and chatting with people, building relationships with those we see every day on our walks may well help with improving our health and pain threshold (some may actually do the opposite, of course!!); doing things with our dogs that prompt social interactions and being sociable are actually good for our health!
Therefore, I am aware that I talk a lot anyway, but be prepared for a full-on social experience from me now. I'm merely trying to reduce our mutual pain!!
Now would as be a great time to shamelessly plug my social walks: Two Thursdays a month at 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Let's reduce our aches and pains together!!
Research funded by the EU has discovered that individuals with more friends have a higher pain tolerance.,,,European Commission
