Hey Bob and UBC we actually have a whole forum for pain issues
Recovery and Pain Management - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information
I suffer pain too - I have cerebral palsy - I have a lot of wear and tear on my joints nerves and muscles.
I used alcohol for a long time as pain relief, but I realise now not only is it not very effective at that, but it's insane to use something that history has shown me destroys me so comprehensively in so many other ways.
There must be other, better options - it's up to those of us who deal with pain to find them IMO
D