Doctors are finding that a prescriptions and over-the-counter pain relief drugs do not always alleviate discomfort.  To offer pain sufferers options, many alternative forms of pain relief have been developed.  But, regardless of the method of infusion into the body, pain relief dugs do not prevent pain, but rather treat the symptom of pain.

A few common methods of pain relief include:

†       Orally- from acetaminophen for a mild headache, to opiates like morphine for terminally ill patients, pills, and liquids are popular forms of pain relief

†       Injections- best used for local pain relief, injections are considered one of the more extreme means of pain relief to ease chronic pain, or accidental injuries.

†       Topical Creams- perfect for sore muscles, or locally occurring pain, aspirin rubs have brought relief to people for decades.

Alternatives do exist to the common forms of pain relief, but results vary depending on the individual.  For centuries, people have used acupuncture to relieve pain by placing needles at certain pressure points.  And, more recently, electrical stimulation has been used to ease discomfort by sending electrical pulses under the skin, and into muscle to stimulate tissue. 

However people decide to treat minor or major forms of pain, the Arthritis Foundation recommends that pain relief be accompanied by physical therapy, not only to treat pain, but to prevent it from occurring.  Physical therapy informs individuals of the damage they are doing to their bodies, and offer knowledge on how to avoid harmful activities that may inflame joints and muscles.  This simple knowledge can save people hundreds of dollars over the course of their lives, and avert pain before it begins.