More patients using over-the-counter blocking devices to avoid painkillers

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Pain blocking devices may be replacing prescription painkillers. Doctors report more patients are turning to over-the-counter units to treat pain and avoid opioids.
“On the first day, you don’t even want to get out of bed,” said Maria Angelica Blesa, a freshman at the University of Texas at Austin. The problem: menstrual pain that calls for a pill.
“Sometimes, medication doesn’t even work for me,” said Alice Li, a freshman. “It