It is not unusual to feel aches and pains from time to time. If you’re sick you often feel pain, your joints may feel a little stiff due to the cold, or you may have a minor injury that will heal on its own.
GP Dr Roger Henderson says musculoskeletal pain – such as low back pain, hip and knee pain, and ligament or tendon pain – is an extremely common cause of pain.
But if your pain is affecting your quality of life you need to talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
“If the pain suddenly gets worse, causes a different type of pain than you normally experience, affects your quality of life so much that normal activities are affected, or requires regular painkillers, a health care professional should be consulted,” he says. “Pain that persists for no good reason should also be investigated.”
Just as it is important to seek medical attention when pain suddenly increases, there are some types of pain that should never be ignored.
Henderson explains that there are many types of pain that require immediate attention.
In an emergency, in the UK – call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
He says this is especially important if:
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This pain is the result of some injury or accident.
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This is sudden and severe stomach pain or chest pain. This could be a symptom of a heart attack – especially if it is accompanied by shortness of breath or dizziness.
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Pain is making it difficult to work or sleep.
Henderson advises that an unusually severe headache should never be ignored — especially if it wakes you from sleep, comes like a thunderbolt, or is the first or worst headache you’ve ever had. The latter means that this is the first time you have had this kind of pain, or the worst headache you have ever experienced.
“Chalm pain may be a sign of a blood clot, especially after prolonged sitting or immobility,” he says. “Any pain that may be associated with even unintentional weight loss should always be investigated. If in doubt, get tested.”
Long-term (chronic) pain may be caused by underlying conditions.
Henderson says: “Many diseases or disorders, such as the flu, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome, are known to cause pain, but almost any part of the body can be affected by painful conditions.”
Arthritis
Arthritis can cause joint pain and bone pain. A trapped nerve can cause severe pain in the affected area.
endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that causes the lining of the uterus to grow in areas outside the uterus. This can cause severe pain.
fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain throughout the body. It is not known what causes the condition but it can cause fatigue, headaches, difficulty sleeping, muscle stiffness and increased sensitivity to pain.
The same rules apply to any pain caused by underlying conditions – if it persists, suddenly gets worse, or is affecting your quality of life you should seek medical help from a pharmacist or doctor.
“If the pain is simple or relatively easy to deal with, ask your pharmacist for advice initially,” says Henderson. “Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about the type of pain you’re experiencing.”
If your pain isn’t severe enough that you need to see a doctor, but it’s still bothersome, there are some options for managing it at home.
Getting enough sleep is important to help your body recover, so it’s important to get enough rest if you have pain that won’t go away.
for swelling pain
Over-the-counter painkillers can also help with aches and pains that need a little attention. If your pain is associated with inflammation, such as a headache or backache, anti-inflammatory painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen work best.
Some people can’t take medicines like ibuprofen – so check with your pharmacist that it won’t interact with other medicines or your existing conditions.
for musculoskeletal pain
If your pain is due to musculoskeletal problems such as muscle strains and ligament sprains, Henderson advises that a few days of rest and painkillers are often necessary.
He adds, “Sometimes a compression bandage at the base of the affected body part and elevating the area may help.”
For lower back pain
For simple lower back pain, light activity is better than bed rest. A warm bath or compress can also help reduce pain caused by muscle spasms.
If pain continues, it is very important to remain as physically active as possible as this helps to improve mood, sleep and general well-being by releasing endorphins – your body’s own ‘feel good’ hormones. It also reduces the chances of muscles and joints becoming stiff, which can make matters worse in the long run.
for acute pain
Henderson says it can be easy to start taking shallow, rapid breaths with intense pain, which can make you feel dizzy, anxious, or panic, so breathe slowly and deeply instead.
Sometimes, stronger painkillers such as codeine are more appropriate to manage more severe pain, but taking them for a long period of time can lead to dependence. It is a good idea to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking strong painkillers, or call NHS 111 for advice.
