When should you worry about pain?

Common causes of pain

It's not unusual to feel aches and pains from time to time. If you're ill you often feel achy, the cold can cause joints to feel a little stiffer, or you may have a minor injury that will clear up on its own.

"Musculoskeletal pain - such as lower back pain, hip and knee pain and ligament or tendon pains - are an extremely common cause of pain," says GP Dr Roger Henderson.

But if your pain is affecting your quality of life you need to speak with a pharmacist or GP.

"If pain suddenly becomes worse, is a different type of pain to that normally experienced, it affects your quality of life so that normal activities are affected, or regular painkillers are required, then a healthcare professional opinion should be sought," says the doctor. "Pain that persists for no good reason should also be investigated."

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Pain you should not ignore

Just as it's important to seek medical help for pain that suddenly gets worse, there are also certain types of pain that should never be ignored.

Dr Henderson explains that there are several types of pain that require urgent attention. In an emergency, call 999 - in the UK - and ask for an ambulance.

He says this is especially important if:

• The pain is the result of an injury or accident.

• It is a sudden and sharp abdominal pain or chest pain. This may be a symptom of a heart attack - especially if accompanied by shortness of breath or dizziness.

• The pain is making it difficult to work or sleep.

"An unusually severe headache should never be ignored - especially if it wakes you from sleep, comes on like a thunderclap, or is a first-or-worst headache. The latter means it's the first time you've ever had a pain like this, or the worst headache you've ever suffered.

"Calf pain can be a sign of a blood clot, especially after a long period of sitting or immobility.

"Any pain that is also associated with unintentional weight loss should always be investigated. If in doubt, get checked out."

Chronic pain

Long-term (chronic) pain can be caused by underlying conditions. Dr Henderson says: "Many illnesses or disorders, such as flu, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome are well known for causing pain but almost any part of the body can be affected by painful conditions."

Arthritis

Arthritis can cause joint pain and bone pain. A trapped nerve can cause shooting pains in the affected area.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that causes the lining of the uterus to grow in areas outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition which causes pain all over the body. It is not known what causes the condition but it can lead to fatigue, headaches, difficulty sleeping, muscle stiffness and increased sensitivity to pain.

When to see a GP about pain

The same rules apply to any pain caused by underlying conditions - if it persists, suddenly becomes worse, or is affecting your quality of life then you should seek medical help from a pharmacist or GP.

"If the pain is simple or relatively easy to deal with then ask your pharmacist for advice initially. If you have any concerns about the type of pain you are experiencing then speak with your GP," Dr Henderson says.

Home remedies for pain

If your pain is not so severe that you need to see a doctor, but is still causing you discomfort, there are a few options to manage it yourself at home.

Getting enough sleep is vital to helping your body heal, so if you have pain that's not going away getting enough rest is key.

For inflammation pain

Over-the-counter painkillers can also help with aches and pains that need a bit of attention. If your pain is associated with inflammation, such as headaches or back pain, then paracetamol and anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, work best. Some people cannot take medicines such as ibuprofen - so check with your pharmacist that it won't interact with other medications or existing conditions you may have.

For musculoskeletal pain

"If the pain is due to musculoskeletal problems such as muscle pulls and ligament sprains then rest and painkillers for a few days are often all that is required. Sometimes a compression bandage and elevating the area can help, depending on the affected part of the body," Dr Henderson explains.

For lower back pain

"For simple lower back pain, gentle activity is better than bed rest. Warm baths or compresses can also help to ease pain caused by muscle spasms.

If pain is ongoing, keeping as physically active as possible is very important as this helps to improve mood, sleep and general wellbeing by releasing endorphins - the body's own 'feel good' hormones. It also reduces the risk of muscles and joints stiffening up, which can make matters worse in the long term.

For intense pain

"With intense pain it can be easy to start taking shallow, rapid breaths, which can make you feel dizzy, anxious or panicked, so instead breathe slowly and deeply," says the doctor.

Occasionally, stronger painkillers like codeine are more appropriate to manage more severe pain, but taking them on a long-term basis can lead to dependency. Before taking strong painkillers it's a good idea to speak with a GP or pharmacist or call NHS 111 for advice.