The Conversation
How do painkillers actually kill pain? From ibuprofen to fentanyl, it’s about meeting the pain where it’s at
A variety of pain-relieving drugs are available both over the counter and by prescription. SelectStock/Vetta via Getty ImagesWithout the ability to feel pain, life is more dangerous. To avoid injury, pain tells us to use a hammer more gently, wait for the soup to cool or put on gloves in a snowball fight. Those with rare inherited disorders that leave them without the ability to feel pain are unable to protect themselves from environmental threats, leading to broken bones, damaged skin, infectio
