India's pain relief market is experiencing a significant boom, with its value skyrocketing to approximately ₹16,000 crore. This surge represents a doubling in size in just five years, significantly outpacing the growth of the broader over-the-counter (OTC) market. Several factors contribute to this expansion, including lifestyle-related ailments, easy access to OTC medications, and a growing awareness of pain management solutions.

One of the primary drivers of this growth is the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related ailments. Ailments such as lack of physical exercise, increase in body weight leading to knee and joint pain, anxiety, and depression are all causes of increase in body pain, headaches, or migraine. The rise in gym injuries and sports-related strains, particularly in urban areas, also fuels the demand for pain relief products.

The accessibility of over-the-counter (OTC) medications plays a crucial role in market expansion. Consumers are increasingly seeking faster and more convenient remedies readily available across various platforms. This demand for immediate relief leads to a preference for products offering rapid action compared to traditional treatments. Since the beginning of the pandemic, an average of five new pain relief brands have been launched every week, increasing the options available to consumers. The number of brands has soared from 1,552 in 2020 to 2,771 in 2025.

Changing demographics and rising incomes further contribute to the market's growth. India's aging population and increasingly sedentary lifestyles are contributing to a rising prevalence of chronic pain conditions. As life expectancy increases, so does the incidence of age-related degeneration of various joints, the most common being the knee and spine. Simultaneously, urbanization, stress, and sedentary lifestyles have led to a surge in musculoskeletal pain and conditions like fibromyalgia. With economic growth and increasing health insurance penetration, more Indians now have the financial means to seek specialized treatment beyond painkillers.

The market is segmented into various types of pain relief products, including analgesics and rubefacients. The rubefacient segment, which includes brands like Omnigel, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29% from 2020 to 2025, outpacing the growth of analgesics (11% CAGR). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the largest revenue-generating drug class in 2024. The non-opioid pain treatment market in India is expected to reach a projected revenue of US$ 2,129.0 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 11.2% expected from 2025 to 2030.

However, this booming market also raises concerns about self-medication and potential health risks. Experts warn against indiscriminate use of pain relief medications, citing potential damage to the kidneys and other adverse effects. A consultant physician, Nitin Kumar Sinha, has warned that self-medication is on the rise which can have serious consequences if used over a prolonged period of time, such as damage to the kidneys. It is estimated that 52% of Indians self-medicate, often without any medical guidance, risking liver damage, kidney issues, and even cancer. There is also an increase in people doing self-medication and several mandatory prescription drugs, strong painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications — that can have severe harmful effects, such as damage to the kidneys, if used over a prolonged period — are today available easily at chemist shops without prescriptions.

Several top-selling drugs in the pain category include IPCA's Zerodol SP, Janssen's Ultracet, GSK's Calpol, Micro Lab's Dolo, Torrent's Chymoral Forte, and Cipla's Ibugesic Plus. A majority of them are prescription drugs. Regulators are now scrutinizing popular painkillers for dangerous side effects.

The rise in the herbal pain relief products market is also noteworthy. The market is fueled by the growing consumer preference for natural, chemical-free remedies, increasing awareness regarding the benefits of herbal drugs, and rising focus on wellness. The India herbal pain relief products market size reached USD 722.7 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2,680.0 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.50% during 2025-2033.

In conclusion, India's pain relief market is experiencing rapid growth driven by various factors such as lifestyle changes, increasing accessibility, and rising disposable incomes. While this growth presents opportunities for pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers, it also necessitates greater awareness and responsible consumption to mitigate the risks associated with self-medication.