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Math can be a real pain, study finds

Posted at 10:25 PM, Nov 05, 2012
and last updated 2012-11-05 22:25:01-05

(CNN) - Balancing your checkbook or splitting a bill may be a pain in more ways than you think.

A new study suggests the anxiety caused by even common math problems could cause physical pain.

Researchers at the University of Chicago found people solving tough equations showed the same brain activity linked to the sensation of pain.

The activity was even greater for those subjects who admit to having a fear of math.

Further research is necessary to confirm the conclusions.