> If it's for pain, I would seriously consider just not treating it. That's great in theory but not in practice. I would say to treat it with physical therapy

> If it's for pain, I would seriously consider just not treating it. That's great in theory but not in practice. I would say to treat it with physical therapy if possible, rather than taking painkillers (as I posted elsewhere in this discussion, I avoid any drugs if possible, OTC or prescription) but sadly that's simply not the answer for everyone. There are some kinds of pain that no level of physical therapy can address, pain so debilitating it could make one suicidal. I suffered that kind of pain when I was a teenager battling cancer, and I had no choice but to take the painkillers my doctor prescribed just to be able to function. I don't ever want to feel that kind of pain again, obviously, but I also don't ever want to take that kind of medicine again if I can help it. To this day I struggle with back pain left over from the bout with cancer (and I'm nearly 40), but I deal with it through exercise, posture, and willpower, rather than giving in to a cycle of addiction. I sympathize with people addicted to painkillers, and I wish there was an easy solution for everyone.