How can I train myself to endure more pain?

Is it okay to endure body pain instead of taking pain relievers?

• I had minor surgery in the neck. I'm feeling some constant but tolerable pain in the area. Doctor said that I can take a pain reliever (etoricoxib) if I feel pain. But, as much as possible I don't want to take pain relievers as I am already taking anti-boitics. Is it perfectly okay for the body/mind to endure pain rather than relieve it with pain killers, or is it "damaging" if left unattended? I am under the impression pain killers only "conceal" the pain and it might actually do some damage, at least in the liver or something.

• Answer:

  It is not a good idea to take pain medications on a regular basis for extended periods of time.  Most, if not all, of them are hard on the stomach and some may have addictive qualities. Your level of pain tolerance will help you decide when 'enough is enough'.  Constant low-grade pain is a fact of life for some people and they learn to function beyond it.  But if your pain is hampering your ability to function at normal levels and you find that you are feeling more fatigued than usual, that is probably the time to medicate your pain, at least for a reasonable amount of time. Also be careful to take pain medication as prescribed (either by your doctor or otc directions).  It is tempting to think that if two capsules makes you more comfortable for four hours then six would help you for the balance of the day, for example.  Not a good idea.  Also, it is more beneficial to go ahead and take the pain medication when the pain is at a relatively low level rather than waiting until it is unbearable.  There is less temptation to 'over medicate'.