Van economy neurons could be the key for us to override physical pain by allowing us to access neural circuitries to shift our level of alertness and stress and increase parasympathetic activation, making us capable of pushing through the pain and even not experiencing it to the same degree or at all.
The nervous system processes external sensory information to send it to different parts of the body for decision-making. The van economo neurons can integrate our knowledge about our body movements, sense of pain and discomfort and drive motivational processes for discomfort so that it can be overcome if it is directed towards a specific goal.
Van economy neurons can evaluate what's going on inside our body and allow us to shift our level of alertness or stress, and they are connected to various brain areas that can change our internal state. These neurons sit in a crucial position to evaluate limb movements and discomfort through upper and lower motor neurons control.
The ability to stretch and be flexible is controlled by various mechanisms in the body, including the stretch reflex and upper motor neurons that can override the reflex and push through the pain. These mechanisms also pay attention to limb range of motion and ensure proper muscle contraction and relaxation.