I think it is obvious that if one can take less opiade medication (codeine), that is best. I have a circle of pain (mainly my spine is shot (DX = cervical radiculopathy 01/2012) with the second MRI 11/2012 showing all Cs affected, with the addition of T-1). Therefore, as I put it, my left shoulder can feel like it is going to fall off, and left arm and hand pain and numbness. (Along with the back pain) My question is in reading the insert of the medicine, it says to (not verbatim) not let the pain get too great. I understand the concept that bringing down pain because of not addressing it before it gets too severe, can just make it harder to relieve the discomfort. On the other hand, I do not want to run into a tolerance issue where the medicine is ineffective. I am prescribed 1 to 2/every 6 hrs NTE 6 daily. I usually do not take this much. But, it is with a lot of discomfort. In the past month or so, I am making diligent effort to take no more than four, and am very proud of myself when I can function with just two. l I think compared to the initial onset of the CERVRAD, I have learned to live with the pain better. After all that, my question: The inserts can confuse a PT when they say, not verbatim, and i guess I read it as, don t try too hard to tough out the pain… While at the same time, wanting to keep the medicine effective by less use. Maybe, there is no right or wrong answer? I must function. i do not have help which concerns me.