Apparently, pineapples are painkillers:
It turns out that pineapple has a unique set of enzymes with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The main one is bromelin/bromelain, which is an anti-inflammatory, prostaglandin suppressant, anti-coagulant and mild painkiller. I have not confirmed that it's safe to mix pineapple/bromelain with your usual NSAIDs but the Arthritis Foundation does not note this as a risk, nor does this very comprehensive article noting clinical trials (one currently ongoing) and previous studies. Pineapple being cheap this time of year, and non-organic pineapple having a very low probability of pesticide treatment, further investigation is strongly recommended.
And if that doesn't work, try a virtual reality game:
The BBC reports that people absorbed in virtual reality simulations or games are oblivious to pain that normally cripples them. They're so mentally busy that there's no attention left for physical signals. This is a logical extension of how pro athletes are able to continue playing despite severe injury. The project is being developed by the University of Washington Harborview Burn Center, which also developed Spiderworld to use virtual reality to remove fear of spiders
Both items from an odd, and apparently no longer updated, blog I stumbled on called The Clean Shopper .
I wonder if other bromeliads have this characteristic.
Now if only they would develop a game to help me with my fear of flying.
Pineapples are also the symbol of hospitality. Once you start noticing them, they are everywhere– on the top of wrought iron posts, bannisters….
For some reason Providence, RI has zillions of them.