Reducing Pain Without Pills

Is it Possible to Relieve Pain Without Popping a Pill?

Pain can be debilitating and most of us turn to traditional painkillers for relief. However, there are alternatives that work just as well. Here we compare traditional painkillers with alternative options.

The Prevalence of Painkillers

Statistics from the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB) tell us that approximately 27 million packs of over the counter products containing codeine are sold in the UK each year. In 2012, nearly 65 million prescriptions for painkillers were dispensed in England alone. We take a lot of pills!

Traditional Pain Relief

The majority of us use traditional pain relief for mild or moderate pain. These can be broken down into the following categories:

• General pain – we tend to take paracetamol
• Joint and muscle pain – we would choose non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.
• Moderate to severe pain – we would traditionally choose opiate-based painkillers such as codeine, co-codamol, dihydrocodeine or morphine sulphate.
• Neck, shoulder or back pain – nerve painkillers may be prescribed in the form of amitriptyline or gabapentin.

The Risks of Traditional Painkillers

We seem to forget there can be side effects. The liver can be seriously damaged if paracetamol is taken in excess. NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal upsets and may affect blood pressure, kidney function, and the cardiovascular system. Nerve painkillers leave us feeling drowsy and opiate-based painkillers can be addictive.

Alternative Options

There are plenty of alternatives to the traditional painkiller. Here are a few of the most common:

• Natural supplements – Omega 3 fatty acids or fish oils can ease inflammation and pain.
• Reflexology – Gentle pressure applied on specific points may help symptoms and causes of pain.
• Acupuncture – For those who respond well, it can be a very effective way of reducing pain levels.
• Relaxation and mindfulness – Practising meditation, yoga or pilates may help to calm both body and mind and therefore reduce pain.

All of us are different and may respond to treatments in very different ways so if you are in any doubt as to how to manage your pain then you should consult with your medical professional.

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