In September 2018 researchers from the USA published the results of their study to assess the effect of regular caffeine consumption on pain sensitivity. 62 individuals, aged between 19 and 77 years, were involved in the study. Information on caffeine consumption (e.g., coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, and chocolate) was collected via a caffeine consumption diary. On the seventh day of caffeine consumption monitoring, the individuals underwent experimental pain sensitivity testing. Results showed that daily caffeine consumption was significantly associated with a higher pain threshold, a higher pain tolerance and a higher pressure pain threshold.
Overstreet DS et al. Higher habitual dietary caffeine consumption is related to lower experimental pain sensitivity in a community-based sample. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2018 Sep 5. [Epub ahead of print]