India’s pain relief market has exploded post-pandemic, doubling to nearly ₹16,000 crore in just five years. From gels and sprays to pills like Dolo and Zerodol, pain meds are now a daily fix for everything from gym soreness to chronic stress. The shift is lifestyle-driven and increasingly normalised, but experts warn against unchecked self-medication. As the over-the-counter space booms, driven by awareness and ease of access, the line between relief and risk is getting worryingly thin.