Pain relief

Being in pain is never easy, especially when it doesn't go away. But there are a number of ways you can manage your pain – and continue to live life as normally as possible.

Talking to your doctor is the first and most important thing you should do. Pain can be a sign that something is or may be wrong and that you may need urgent medical attention. Before your appointment, it is a good idea to make a few notes about the pain you are experiencing so that you can clearly communicate the nature and intensity of the pain, as well as any steps you have taken to deal with it yourself.

Getting some exercise can also help to alleviate pain. If you haven't already, try some of the exercises recommended for your condition on this website. If any of the recommended activities make your pain worse, stop them immediately and consult your doctor as soon as possible. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your exercise regime.

Learning to relax can help to reduce your stress levels and make it a little easier for you to cope with pain. If you are feeling anxious and tense, chances are your pain will seem harder to cope with.

Find out whether there is a pain management programme in your area by calling your doctor's surgery or closest hospital.

Trying heat or ice – whichever suits you best – can help reduce certain kinds of pain (e.g. muscular pain). You should do this for 10-20 minutes every two hours when you are experiencing severe pain. If you don't have a heat or ice pack, a hot water bottle or a bag of peas will do. Remember to wrap the peas in a soft cloth or tea towel to avoid ‘burning’ the skin. A hot bath can also help release sore back muscles.

Taking painkillers can really help with pain, but should be done with your doctor's guidance, as taking them over long periods of time could cause other unwanted health problems.