It’s true that painkillers can be a masking agent to your underlying condition. They do also have their place at times when used properly. This article offers an interesting perspective.
“by Deanna Melnychuk —
When you experience chronic pain (from an accident, overuse, poor posture, etc.), you may elect to take, or be advised to take, painkillers. The painkillers probably have some side effects, such as drowsiness or stomach upset. Because you no longer feel the pain as sharply, you may go back to work without realizing that the pain is only masked; the original problem has not been corrected. As a result, there is a distinct possibility you might re-injure yourself because you no longer have the pain to guide your actions.
As the pain begins to jab at you again whenever the painkillers start to wear off, you may find yourself curtailing your activities. It becomes too difficult to take a walk or visit with friends, and your life narrows. Any activity requires too much effort and your energy level drops. You notice old friends have moved on with their lives while yours has simply stopped.
When will all this pain pass? It might take months — and you may never feel like you did before the chronic pain took over your life. What a great time to consider alternatives. Rolfing, or structural integration, is such an alternative.”
Read the rest of the article here.