Sponsored by LloydsPharmacy
As you read this, are you clutching your stomach, or cradling your head in your hands? If so, you’re not alone: an estimated 10 million people in the UK experience pain as they try to go about their day.* Whether slight discomfort, or debilitating agony, you shouldn’t suffer in silence.
Enter stage left: LloydsPharmacy. They don’t think we should accept pain as a normality, and rightly so too. There are many types of treatment their pharmacists can offer and they will talk through personalised advice and goals you can set to help manage your pain. This can be prescription medication, or over the counter purchases, but also lifestyle changes and drug-free substitutes – not just your bog-standard pharmacy, eh!
Their FREE Pain Management Service requires no appointment and a pharmacist will assess your level of pain through questions and minor tests, no matter what kind of pain you are experiencing. Once you understand your pain, it will be easier to control.
Headaches and Period Pain
The two most common types of pain women to experience are headaches and period pain. Of course, you can take over the counter medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief. However, for a drug free alternative, try LloydsPharmacy's reusable hot and cold packs. Cold for the head, hot for the stomach… ahhhh relief.
Back Pain
You may have muscles of steel from lifting the kids, boxes, or shopping bags, but none of these things are likely to do your back any favours. Staying active and adopting a good posture will help prevent back pain. Anti-inflammatory pain killers, like ibuprofen, can sometimes ease the pain, but speak to a pharmacist at LloydsPharmacy if the pain doesn’t improve.
Joint and Muscle Pain
Apply an ice pack for the first 48 hours and, if the pain persists, switch to a heat treatment to soothe soreness and improve circulation to help repair any damage. You can protect yourself from future injuries by warming up and cooling down before and after exercise, and avoiding overexercising as tired muscles can’t offer the same protection for your joints. Another option is topical creams or gels, like Flexiseq Active, which are directed to the source of the pain to reduce joint stiffness and improve joint function.
Chronic Pain
This is continuous, long-term pain that usually lasts for more than 12 weeks. Aside from prescription medication, there are many drug free alternatives available. Betterlife from LloydsPharmacy offer products designed to support better mobility both in and out of the home which can be a great aid for those with chronic pain. Those with chronic wrist pain can purchase a Betterlife Kettle Tipper, for example – a nice cuppa at the end of the day is always a comfort. The Pain Reliever Wireless TENS – which uses electrodes to help combat pain in specific areas - helps to ease aches in the lower back, hips, elbows, and pain associated with strains, sprains and sports injuries.
Alternative Treatments
Last year, LloydsPharmacy commissioned independent research, and found that a majority of people listen to music to help alleviate some of their pain. Music can serve as a distraction to the feelings of pain, particularly pop music, which came out as the most popular genre in the research. If you want to try it out for yourself, Bridge over Troubled Water (Simon and Garfunkel), Angels (Robbie Williams) and Candle in the Wind (Elton John) are all in the top five recommended songs by people living with persistent pain.
Always read the label and never exceed the dosage stated on the packet.
*On most days. Source: The British Pain Society