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Pain

Drug-free solutions for pain

November 1, 2022

Worried about drug dependency for managing persistent or recurring symptoms? These strategies offer a natural alternative.

photo of a man in deep concentration as he holds a yoga poseEveryone 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.

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About the Author

photo of Matthew Solan

Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

Matthew Solan is the executive editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. He previously served as executive editor for UCLA Health’s Healthy Years and as a contributor to Duke Medicine’s Health News and Weill Cornell Medical College’s … See Full Bio
View all posts by Matthew Solan

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