Alot of people have their own theories when it comes to managing pain. Some might swear by a peculiar cocktail for curing hangovers, while others might profess their reliance on a remedy passed down from their relatives to get rid of back pain.

Whether we’re talking to friends, reading ads or scouring the internet, as individuals we’re bombarded with conflicting arguments about pain relief on a daily basis – and as sufferers, we’re often desperate for a solution which gets results, so it can be easy to get led astray by other people’s conjectures and opinions.

Pain is something we experience as individuals, and no two people are the same, so there’s no definite right and wrong way when it comes to pain relief. Even so, there are a handful of well-known, common myths out there, which you shouldn’t put too much stock in when suffering from pain. Here are five of the most popular:

Myth #1: Alcohol Numbs Pain

There is a consensus that alcohol is an effective anaesthetic, as it dampens the senses. This is often not the case. Alcohol, in many cases, can actually make pain worse. And although it can, on occasion, seem to work as a pain reliever, these effects are often temporary – and the headaches and feelings dehydration which follow a night of alcohol consumption will only compound the issue in the long run. What’s more, if you’re on pain medication, alcohol can have a detrimental effect on its efficiency – so if you’re suffering from pain, it’s always worth considering curbing your alcohol consumption as opposed to increasing it.

Myth #2: Cigarettes Numb Pain

This is another excusatory theory with no scientific weight behind it. While many smokers will turn to cigarettes to help them deal with the stress of pain, smoking can actually increase sense perception and cause pain to be felt more acutely. In addition to this, smoking causes damage to the heart and lungs, and only increases the chances of respiratory pain and illness.

Myth #3: Pain is a Necessary Part of Exercise

We’ve all heard that old adage when we’re in the gym: ‘No pain, no gain.’ This isn’t strictly true. Experiencing pain during exercise might be a motivating factor mentally, when pushing your body to go that extra mile. But if a specific part of your body actually hurts during your exercise programme, then it isn’t necessarily a positive sign. Consider toning down your regimen to avoid injury, and if pain persists in a certain area, consult your doctor.

Myth #4: It’s Always Best to Just Tough it Out

It’s often the case when you’re suffering from a mild headache that it will go away without the need for pain medication. But chronic pain can have a serious effect on your quality of life, and also on your mental well-being, so there’s no sense in trying to live with it if there are suitable pain relief medications which can help you. Don’t be afraid to seek medical advice if you suffer from persistent pain.

Myth #5: Pain is Nothing But a State of Mind

No. Pain is very real. While some mental techniques can help to reduce the effects of pain, that doesn’t mean you can entirely control it by thinking positively or trying to ignore it. Again, if you feel as though your pain may be having a detrimental effect on your daily life, there’s no reason you shouldn’t speak to your doctor about it.

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This article is written by Steve who is prescribed Codiene pain relief by his doctor for an injury he sustained on a night out in London after splitting from his friends. Steve now limits the amout he drinks as the extra fun is not worth the pain!