{
  "id": 10221968,
  "title": "Are you in pain? In some cases, exercising may be as good as painkillers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/are-you-in-pain-in-some-cases-exercising-may-be-as-good-as-painkillers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-27T13:35:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews",
    "slug": "euronews",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/2026/09/27/are-you-in-pain-in-some-cases-exercising-may-be-as-good-as-painkillers"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Exercise can provide relief from various types of pain, including migraines, period cramps, and chronic pain, in a manner similar to common painkillers, according to a new study by Adelaide University. The research analyzed 157 systematic reviews containing 2,736 randomized controlled trials and over 220,000 participants. Senior researcher Carol Maher stated that exercise could be a valuable addition to pain management strategies, especially as a safer and more effective alternative to medication. The study found that exercise reduces pain by approximately 1.1 points on a zero-to-10 scale, which is about 60% more effective than the average relief provided by common medications in separate chronic pain trials. Low-intensity exercise proved to be more effective than moderate-to-vigorous activity, while programs lasting around 12 weeks demonstrated greater pain reduction than longer programs. Lead researcher Ben Singh emphasized that more exercise is not always better, as shorter-duration and lower-intensity programs yielded greater reductions in pain, indicating that people may not need to push themselves harder or for longer durations to experience meaningful benefits. Exercise releases chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin, which can alleviate pain, increase pain tolerance, calm inflammation, and improve mood. However, the study highlighted that exercise is still underutilized as a treatment for pain, with healthcare providers often only recommending staying active without providing specific, evidence-based exercise programs tailored to individual needs. Healthcare providers should receive clear guidance on which exercises are most effective for different patients and how to prescribe them appropriately. Despite the benefits, the researchers caution that exercise should not be considered a one-size-fits-all solution, as its effectiveness varies depending on factors such as the underlying condition, an individual's fitness level, and adherence to the exercise program.",
  "summary": "From pilates to tai chi, even modest amounts of exercise can relieve pain as effectively as common pain medicines, opening the door to holistic therapeutic approaches, according to a new study.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Euronews",
        "title": "Are you in pain? In some cases, exercising may be as good as painkillers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/are-you-in-pain-in-some-cases-exercising-may-be-as-good-as-painkillers",
        "published": "2026-09-26T07:22:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}