What is it and how can I treat it?
Everyone who has pain should consider taking painkillers. There are several kinds of painkiller and different types work best for different types of pain. The most common painkiller is paracetamol. Paracetamol is used to relieve mild to moderate pain such as a headache. It is also used to lower a raised temperature.
You can buy paracetamol from your pharmacy or supermarket and costs very little. They are available in tablet form and liquid form for children. Always check the label before taking any medication.
Ibuprofen is another common painkiller. It is an anti inflammatory and used to ease pain in various conditions including arthritis, strains, sprains, period pain, pains after operations, dental pains, headaches, migraines and some other types of pain. Some anti inflammatory medicines need a prescription but ibuprofen is readily available from your pharmacy or supermarket and is very cheap. Always check the label before taking any medication.
There are several practical things you can do to help relieve pain:
– Some gentle exercise such as walking
– Breath slowly and deeply
– Distract yourself by doing something so that pain isn’t the only thing on your mind
For more information on how to treat pain visit www.nhs.ukIbuprofen for pain and inflammation
Ibuprofen is a medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is also known as ‘an NSAID’.
Speak with a doctor before taking ibuprofen if you have ever had a bad reaction to any other anti-inflammatory painkiller.
Take ibuprofen with a meal or a snack.
Ibuprofen is not recommended for children who have chickenpox. Use paracetamol instead.
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Ibuprofen for pain (Brufen, Calprofen, Nurofen)Chronic pain
Chronic pain is a complex long-term medical condition.
Currently one quarter of the population experience chronic pain.
Chronic pain isolates patients, disrupts family life and impacts on ability to work.
Teams of trained specialists present in primary, secondary and tertiary care centres can help people with chronic pain manage their pain.
Patients with chronic pain must have access to the correct level of care for their symptoms.
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Helping people with chronic pain (PDF)Back pain
What is it and how can I treat it?
Back pain is a common problem, which affects 4 out of 5 of us at some point. It’s often caused by a simple muscle, tendon or ligament strain and not usually by a serious problem. Back pain can be acute, where the pain starts quickly but then reduces after a few days or weeks, or chronic, where pain might last on and off for several weeks or even months and years.
The backbone, or spinal column, is one of the strongest parts of the body and provides us with remarkable flexibility and strength. It’s made up of 24 bones (vertebrae), one sitting on top of the other with discs in between and lots of strong ligaments and muscles around them for support.
Simple painkillers such as paracetamol (an analgesic) and ibuprofen may help. You should use them as and when you need them. Don’t use painkillers for more than 2 weeks without seeking medical advice.
Exercise is the most important way that you can help yourself if you experience back pain. Exercise might make your back feel a bit sore at first but it doesn’t cause any harm. Start off slowly and gradually increase the amount of exercise you do. Over time, your back will get stronger and more flexible and this should reduce pain.
You should see your doctor if your pain:
– is very severe or lasts for a long period of time
– affects your everyday activities.
Very rarely, back pain can indicate a more serious problem. See your doctor immediately if you:
– have difficulty controlling or passing urine
– lose control of your bowels
– have numbness around your back passage or your genitals
For more information on back pain visit www.nhs.ukMuscle sprains and strains
What is it and how can I treat it?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament – the strong tissues around joints which attach bones together that give support to joints. Injuries to ligaments are usually caused by them being stretched during a sudden pull and the most common are ankles. A strain usually means stretching or tearing of muscle fibres. Most muscle strains occur either because the muscle has been stretched beyond its limits or it has been forced to contract too strongly.
Both can be very painful but most can be treated at home without the need to see a doctor. Occasionally strains and sprains will need physiotherapy and surgery may be needed for severe sprains when ligaments tear badly.
Generally though, most damaged ligaments or muscles heal by themselves over time. There are a few simple things you can do to ease the pain and keep inflammation and swelling to a minimum.
– Rest the affected joint or muscles for 48-72 hours following injury
– Apply ice as soon as possible and leave it on for 10-30 minutes. Less than 10 minutes has little affect. More than 30 minutes may damage the skin. Make an ice pack by wrapping ice cubes in a plastic bag or towel (do not place ice directly on the skin) or use a bag of frozen peas as an alternative. Gently press the ice pack on the injured part
– Compression with a bandage will limit swelling and help rest the joint.
– Keep the injured part raised as this will reduce swelling. For ankle and knee sprains, keep the foot up on a chair and for hand and wrist sprains, use a sling with your hand higher than your elbow.
You may not need any medication if you are not in pain but if you are, then paracetamol and ibuprofen will help.
Ask your pharmacist for advice. If symptoms do not settle gradually then contact your GP for advice.
For more information on muscle strains and sprains visit www.nhs.ukRheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) doesn’t have to stop you from living your life. Although the symptoms of RA can be painful, there are many treatments and therapies to help you take your life back.
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RheumatoidArthritis.org