If I have a pulled muscle, bad back, or twisted ankle I take something that is anti-inflammatory so it will actually help reduce swelling and injury. If it is a headache, I usually try not to take anything unless it is interfering with my work or driving or something. People who get lots of headaches can get "hooked" on regular over the counter pain relievers if they take them over time (so that when they stop taking them, the headaches are worse). Plus tylenol is bad for the liver. I avoid using it and use enteric coated aspirin or ibuprofen instead.
But I think there can be advantages as well to taking pain medications. I think some studies have shown that people given adequate pain relief after surgery recover faster. I guess the pain chemicals are actually bad for you. Of course some pain can be reduced naturally, but there is no sense in suffering after you've tried other methods, or if you just can't meditate- you are driving or whatever. I don't think meditation vs. pills should be made into an issue of character or nobility or anything. Each has it's pros and cons.