I really understand your reluctance to become a pill-popper. And, while I do believe you will find a better quality of life by finding ways of being pain-free, I am also sure that the more we take of any medication, the greater the tolerance we build, reducung the effectiveness.

I assume you have tried other things? compresses? Accupuncture/accupressure? There's also microcurrent therapy which has helped many people with pain. Not cheap but not so expensive that most people wouldn't be happy coughing up to gain some relief.

But do give yourself relief - at least to be more comfortable.