Over the counter pain killers are incredibly common and widely available. The most common of these are acetaminophen and ibuprofen, often under the label of Tylenol, Advil, etc. I have a collection of this stuff in my cupboard – ibuprofen gel caps, Tylenol extra strength and Alieve – and usually take it weekly, or sometimes daily due to chronic headaches and joint pain. I’ve never been overly fond of the idea of taking pills, but they work really well for me and I have struggled to find other ways to manage my chronic pain. Although this doesn’t compare to opioid crisis that currently plagues our cities, it’s also hard to say that these over the counter pain killers are harmless.
Acetaminophen is the leading cause of liver failure in the United States and is found in allergy medication, cough and cold remedies, fever reducers, pain relievers, and sleep aids. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are taken too often and in doses that are too high which leads to heart and stomach conditions in addition to liver failure. A quick google search on the topic will reveal the extent of this problem.
Pharmaceutical companies provide the illusion that these medications are safe and the solution to our pain, but they are essentially chemicals and have the potential to harm our bodies.
The good news is that there are always alternatives. Cannabis (recently legalized in Canada) has a great potential for pain management, in addition to its many other health benefits. Lavender and Peppermint essential oils are believed to assist with headaches and have calming effects.
I have found that learning about my body, how it (dys)functions, and how I can repair it, to be the best pain management. Over the last few years, I have been on a journey to find the source of chronic knee and jaw pain and to eliminate it. In the past few months I found some success with a number of health care professionals that shared their knowledge and skills. Through the use of orthotics, physiotherapy, and massage therapy, I am beginning to understand the source of my pain and have been able to minimize it and begin to repair.
This has been a long journey for me and it isn’t over yet. It took a long time for me to find the right people that I trusted and to have the strength to follow through and give my body the care it needs. I also recognize that my privilege is what has enabled me to make any progress at all. As all these services are quite expensive and those without resources and insurance coverage are not able to access this type of care.
I still use pain killers, though not nearly as often. I am happy to have found other methods to facilitate my healing process, rather than rely on pain management, and I encourage others to continue on their search, recognizing how frustrating and hopeless it may feel.
The Long Defeat 