If you’re experiencing pain, your pharmacist can be a great first point of contact. They can help you assess your pain and talk to you about different methods of pain management. If you are experiencing extreme or ongoing pain, see your doctor.
Types of Pain
There are two main types of pain.
- Acute pain – which starts suddenly and lasts for a short time
- Chronic pain – that lasts for three months or more.
Pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp stab. It can range from mild to extreme and it may be present in one or many parts of your body. The most common causes of pain are injury, surgery, or medical conditions.
Over The Counter Medications
In some instances, you may be able to manage your pain without prescription medication. Popular options include:
- Heat or cold packs
- Ibuprofen and/or paracetamol
- Physical therapies – including walking, stretching, strength training and aerobic exercise
- Soft tissue massage
- Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques and/or meditation
Ibuprofen vs Paracetamol
If you have mild to moderate pain, ibuprofen and paracetamol may help. The main difference between these medications is that ibuprofen reduces inflammation, while paracetamol does not. Both ibuprofen and paracetamol offer short-term pain relief. Some people with medical conditions such as asthma, may need to seek advice before taking ibuprofen for extended periods of time.
If you are experiencing pain, your pharmacist can help. Talk to your pharmacist today about which pain management solutions may be right for you.
