Genetic testing for Pain! Your Genes could be to blame- Meet COMT!

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have a higher pain tolerance than others? Well, grab your virtual coffee because we’re about to dive into the fascinating world of genetics—specifically, the COMT gene—and how it could be influencing your pain.

The COMT enzyme (catechol-O-methyltransferase) plays a key role in breaking down neurotransmitters that regulate pain. But here’s where it gets interesting: certain variants of the COMT gene can heighten your sensitivity to both acute and chronic pain. Research shows that people with these gene variants have lower COMT activity, which can lead to more intense pain responses.

From conditions like Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) to Parkinson’s disease, the COMT gene has been linked to the development of chronic pain issues. And it doesn’t stop there. Studies show that variations in COMT can influence how much opioid medication someone might need to manage pain—such as with cancer treatment—or even how someone experiences pain during something as natural as breastfeeding.

Surgery? COMT has something to say about that too. People with certain COMT alleles are more likely to experience persistent pain after procedures like cardiac surgery.

But it's not just pain where COMT makes its mark—this enzyme also affects your mood and stress responses, helping to keep everything in balance.

Understanding your unique genetic makeup could be a game-changer in how we approach your pain management. 

GOOD NEWS! HealWorks offer  genetic testing for pain to see if you have this variant, as well as, many other genetic variants. With this information, we can tailor your treatment plan to include customized nutrition and other lifestyle factors to mitigate the pain.

Contact us for more information for genetic testing for pain (424) 413-3734.

In health,

Dr. Mina