a lot of "pain" is emotional...and drugs help that immensely. i would never encourage someone with that kind of pain to skip the meds. never.
 i'm with you on physical pain.  i'm one of those "walk it off" moms. banged up?   get some peas out of the freezer. the peas used in place of ice packs - the kids knew to smack the frozen pack of peas down to break the solid block of peas from one another , wrap a small towel around them and hold them on the newly dinged up body part.  i super glue deep cuts on myself so i don't have to go get stitches, 
 i believe PROPER stretching and PROPER exercise will cure a body, and when done daily, will keep a body in good working order.  except -  i've learned that a badly dinged up back has different rules.