Pain

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.uk