Health Pain management


Living with


pain


Pain is something most people experience from time to time. But persistent or chronic pain can be difficult to live with


According to the British Pain Society, pain is an everyday part of life for almost 10 million people in this country. For many of these people, pain has a major impact on their quality of life. The source of pain is often obvious – a broken bone, for


instance. But in many cases the source of pain isn’t visible, and sometimes it can be difficult to find the exact cause of someone’s pain. Here’s what you should know about some of the most common conditions that cause chronic pain.


Back pain Back pain – particularly low back pain (lumbago) – is very common. It can start quickly, often caused by a simple muscle, tendon or ligament strain. But it can be slow to get better, with chronic back pain lasting for weeks, months or even years. Other conditions that can cause back pain include a


slipped disc, sciatica and ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of joints in the spine). Some people also develop back pain because they have poor posture. If you’re living with back pain, you may find it difficult to


carry out simple daily activities, especially those where you have to stand for a long time.


How is it treated? Most people don’t have to see their GP for back pain, as it can be relieved with over-the-counter painkillers and other products. Ask your local Careway pharmacist to recommend the type of painkiller that would be best for you, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.


How to help yourself Besides taking painkillers you could also try applying heat to the affected area as it may help relieve pain and stiffness in the short term. Your pharmacist can recommend a heat pad product, or you could try using a hot water bottle. Another drug-free product you could try is a TENS machine – these are also available at pharmacies. Doing some gentle exercise may also help, as it’s now


thought that staying active is one of the best ways to manage and reduce pain. Try swimming, walking, cycling, yoga or Pilates, or start a new hobby or sport that keeps you active to keep the pain at bay. Meanwhile try to avoid poor posture by not slumping or


hunching when you sit and stand. If you sit for long periods at work or at home, try to take a short break every 30 minutes or so when you get up and walk for a while. If, however, your back pain persists or becomes severe, it’s a good idea to see your GP.


Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis – according to Arthritis Research UK it affects at least eight million people in the UK. And at this time of year, some people living with the condition say their symptoms become worse, thanks to the cold weather. Osteoarthritis is the result of the cartilage that covers the


ends of your bones in your joints gradually roughening and becoming thin. It is commonly linked with ageing, but other risk factors include being overweight or obese, joint injuries and abnormalities, and having a family history of the disease. If you have osteoarthritis, you may experience one or more of the following:


• Pain • Stiffness • Swelling • Creaking or crunching in the joint • Not being able to use the joint normally


How is it treated? Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are often recommended when you’re first diagnosed with arthritis. If these don’t control the pain effectively, your GP may prescribe stronger painkillers, either in tablet or cream form. Other treatments include steroid injections or newer


injectable treatments such as platelet rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid.


How to help yourself There are several thing you can do to help yourself if you have osteoarthritis. If you’re overweight, for instance, your GP may recommend you try a weight-loss


16 All About health


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