For short periods of time, prescription medications (such as narcotic pain medications or muscle relaxants) may be helpful to alleviate pain or related complications.
It can take anywhere from 4-10 hrs. now if your head gasket is warped you will have to take it to have it milled that takes from 1 day to several days. if not you can just buy a completely new one that fits perfectly for about $150.
That is a remanded long block from the dealer so I will just spend $350 for a top end gasket set, new fluids, new head bolts and have the heads inspected if needed by a engine shop directly to save the money which I don't have anyway.