Pain free is probably not going to be an option even with strong meds unless you go into remission. Many of us live with the goal of having mid level pain, and as we do certain activities our pain levels rise and we take break through pain. All the things we discuss as coping mechanisms help to slightly alleviate pain, and collectively those coping mechanisms increase our standard of living. I know if I vacuum I'll want to go to the ER, so I've learned it's not an option for me to do so. Etc.