Hi Cris,
I understand what your going through as I have arthritis as well. I guess everyone has their own limit as to how much pain they can tolerate so I don't condemn anyone for using pain pills,I say to each his own,however I prefer not to get strung out on pain pills b/c it's so easy to do. I can't take nsaids at all now b/c of a kidney problem which the nsaids may have contributed to. So for me,a nice long hot bath feels really good or liniment applied and my heated microwave corn pad. I also have a heated massage chair with white noise,etc which is wonderful and very relaxing. Too, I was told to use epsom salts in my bath and I tried it and it did help so I have done that a couple of times. Maybe someone can add to this as I'm always interested in safer methods for relief.