Recent Blog Articles
Taking up adaptive sports
Cutting and self-harm: Why it happens and what to do
Discrimination at work is linked to high blood pressure
Pouring from an empty cup? Three ways to refill emotionally
Give praise to the elbow: A bending, twisting marvel
Sneezy and dopey? Seasonal allergies and your brain
The FDA relaxes restrictions on blood donation
Apps to accelerometers: Can technology improve mental health in older adults?
Swimming and skin: What to know if a child has eczema
A muscle-building obsession in boys: What to know and do
Pain
Drug-free solutions for pain
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Worried about drug dependency for managing persistent or recurring symptoms? These strategies offer a natural alternative.
Everyone has the occasional ache, pain, or soreness in a muscle or joint. A dose of over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil), often does the trick. But what if you battle recurring discomfort in your back, shoulders, knees, or hands that interferes with your quality of life? You might require extra doses or even a more powerful prescription pain reliever.
Unfortunately, relying on pain pills can come with its own problems. "There’s no free lunch with pain drugs, whether over-the-counter or prescription. There’s always some potential downside," says Robert Jamison, a clinical psychologist and professor at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Pain Management Center.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
You might also be interested in…
Stretching: 35 exercises to improve flexibility and reduce pain
Stretching is an excellent thing you can do for your health. These simple, yet effective moves can help you limber up for sports, improve your balance and prevent falls, increase your flexibility, and even help relieve arthritis, back, and knee pain. Whether you're an armchair athlete or a sports enthusiast, this Special Health Report, Stretching: 35 exercises to improve flexibility and reduce pain, from the experts at Harvard Medical School will show you how to create effective stretching routines that meet your needs and ability.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
