CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta says new science reveals how the body itself holds powerful tools for easing pain—offering alternatives that go far beyond over-the-counter medication.
For decades, pain management has relied heavily on drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, and even opioids. But according to neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, pain relief doesn’t always have to come from the medicine cabinet. In his new book It Doesn’t Have to Hurt (out Sept. 2) and an upcoming CNN documentary airing Sept. 7, Gupta highlights the body’s own internal systems for controlling pain—mechanisms that are increasingly supported by science.
Pain Relief: An “Inside Job”
Gupta explains that while external remedies like anesthesia, epidurals, and painkillers remain critical, the human body possesses its own intricate pain-regulating networks. These include biochemical systems, neural pathways, and mind-body connections that can reduce discomfort, sometimes without any drugs at all.
Endorphins—proteins that function like natural opioids—play a central role. When released, they bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, dulling pain and enhancing mood. Unlike prescription opioids, the body’s endogenous opioids are carefully regulated through evolution, limiting the side effects and dependency risks associated with external drugs.
Extreme stress can also activate what scientists call “stress-induced analgesia,” temporarily numbing pain in emergencies. “It is one of the most potent natural pain relievers that exists,” said Dr. Daniela Salvemini of St. Louis University, who studies neuropathic pain.
The Placebo Effect Reconsidered
Researchers are also reassessing the placebo effect, long dismissed as a sham. Studies now show that placebos can activate the same endogenous opioid system, meaning expectations, beliefs, and emotions can measurably alter pain perception. This discovery positions placebo not as a trick, but as a legitimate therapeutic tool.
Rethinking Standard Treatments
Traditional approaches such as RICE—rest, ice, compression, elevation—are also under review. Some sports medicine experts now argue that suppressing inflammation too quickly may delay healing. Newer strategies, summarized by the acronym MEAT (movement, exercise, analgesia, treatment), encourage gentle activity and tailored therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or massage to accelerate recovery.
Heat and cold therapies remain useful but context-specific: cold for acute injuries within 72 hours, and heat for chronic muscle stiffness or arthritis. Experts caution against overuse and emphasize monitoring for adverse effects.
Risks of Over-the-Counter Drugs
Gupta warns that even widely available NSAIDs carry risks when used long term, including gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney issues, and cardiovascular complications. Recent U.S. guidelines advise against routine aspirin use in adults over 60 to prevent heart disease, citing bleeding dangers.
Supplements and Alternative Approaches
While dietary supplements such as magnesium, turmeric, and willow bark attract interest, evidence remains limited and quality control inconsistent. Gupta stresses consulting physicians before use, given potential side effects and drug interactions.
Expanding the Toolbox
Non-opioid medications like acetaminophen and newer prescription drugs such as gabapentin and duloxetine are expanding treatment options, particularly for nerve-related or chronic pain. Antidepressants have also shown modest benefits in select cases, though their long-term effectiveness remains under debate.
A Shift in Perspective
Ultimately, Gupta argues, effective pain management requires rethinking the balance between external interventions and the body’s natural capacity to heal. Quick fixes may offer temporary relief but risk prolonging recovery.
“Pain isn’t just a physical sensation,” Gupta writes. “It is part of a complex healing process that involves every system in the body. By understanding and activating our own internal mechanisms, we may find more lasting relief than medication alone can provide.”
