How to relieve pain?

Pain is a physical experience that can be affected by our psychological or mental state. Fear, stress or sadness can aggravate it, while happiness, joy and pleasure have been found to improve it. Feeling pain at certain times is a normal part of life, but that does not mean sitting back and waiting it out. Here are ways to combat rather than just endure pain.

Headaches

Many people get headaches from time to time; some must also contend with migraines, a very debilitating form of head pain. When you are suffering from a headache or migraine, it can be difficult to concentrate and go about your daily activities.  

Don’t let the pain take over. Act fast! Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can be used to relieve all types of headaches, including migraines.

Muscle pain

If you love being physically active and busy, don’t let pain keep you from enjoying your fast-paced life. Your job, sports and lifestyle may put you at a higher risk for muscle pain. When this happens, think of dropping by for a chat with your family pharmacist. Use of a pain reliever like acetaminophen, an anti-inflammatory drug, like ibuprofen, or a muscle relaxant like methocarbamol, may prove to be a godsend for you.

Back pain

Every day throughout our lives, our back supports us as we take part in our countless day-to-day activities. This valuable ally deserves special care so that it can continue to do its important job. Be kind to it and make sure you always try to protect it from harm. When you feel pain in your back, don’t ignore it.

Poor working or sleeping posture, overexertion during exercise or other physical effort, a wrong move or a blow can all be detrimental to your back or cause injury. If you experience back pain, see a health professional right away. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which are available over the counter, can help you find relief fast.

Arthritis pain

Arthritis often causes pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of mobility in the joint affected. All of this can disrupt your day-to-day life. Even if there is no cure for arthritis, there is still no need for you to suffer in silence.  

The first-line treatment for arthritis pain is the use of over-the-counter drugs, such as acetaminophen, which can be combined with ibuprofen, if needed. Stronger prescription drugs constitute the second-line treatment. Ask your family pharmacist about these options. You can also consider alternative methods   of preventing and treating arthritis pain, including orthopedic supports. 

Acute pain

Acute pain is a sharp, sudden pain caused by a temporary event or circumstance. Once the event passes, the pain eventually stops. The term “acute” does not necessarily always mean the pain is intense. Menstrual pain, toothaches and pain from an injury, dental procedure or surgery are examples of acute pain.

Even though you know everything will eventually return to normal, you do not need to put up with the pain while it lasts. You always have the option of taking medications to alleviate it, some of which are available without a prescription. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief.

Night pain

Pain can keep you from sleeping and make your nights anything but restful. Pain-related insomnia can be long lasting and result in tiredness and drowsiness the next day, which in turn can have a negative impact on your daily functioning.

If pain is affecting the quality of your sleep, consider taking a pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Some products combine a pain reliever with a sleep aid, such as diphenhydramine or a muscle relaxant such as methocarbamol. Adding a sleep-promoting agent to a pain-relieving drug is a great option for people whose sleep is compromised due to pain.

Trusted advice from your pharmacist

Always consult your family pharmacists for advice on choosing the right pain reliever or anti-inflammatory drug. They can counsel you on the safe, optimal use of these types of products, including those combined with muscle relaxants or sleep aids. They can also help you pinpoint the causes of your pain and recommend the product that will best meet your needs. And when necessary, they will refer you to another health professional.

Pharmacy services

Your family pharmacists are there to support your pain management efforts. Talk to them! They can help you evaluate the intensity of your pain, to assess the effectiveness of your drug therapy and, if needed, recommend changes to it.