Pain

Here at Pharmacy Online, we understand your struggle and are here to help you find the best pain medication solution for you. From the throbbing discomfort of a headache to the nagging ache of joint pain, we're here to provide relief that meets your needs.

Get in touch with us for more information and begin your journey to a more comfortable life, free from the constraints of pain.

What is pain?

Pain, often misunderstood and underestimated, is more than just a sensation. It's a complex and deeply personal experience, varying greatly from one person to another. At its core, pain is your body's own alarm system, an intricate signal indicating that something isn't quite right internally. Whether stemming from injury, illness, or an unknown cause, it manifests as a sensory and emotional response, making you pay attention and take action.

You read that right. Pain isn't just about physical sensations; it also affects how you feel emotionally. It can change your mood, affect your daily life, and even how you interact with others. Everyone experiences pain differently, which makes understanding and managing it a challenge.

At Pharmacy Online, we get that pain can be complex, but we're here to help make sense of it, and our goal is to help you find relief.

What causes pain?

Pain can come from many different places, and it's not always straightforward. The reasons can be as varied as the pain itself. Pain can be triggered by a variety of factors, from injuries and diseases to stress and lifestyle choices. Sometimes it's clear-cut, like when you stub your toe or twist an ankle. These are injuries that send instant signals to your brain saying, "Hey, something's wrong here!" But other times, the causes of pain can be more complex.

Diseases like arthritis or illnesses such as infections can also lead to pain. It's your body's way of telling you it's fighting something off or something's not working right. But it's not just physical causes; emotional stress and your lifestyle choices can play a big role too. Ever had a tension headache after a long, stressful day? That's your body reacting to emotional stress.

The most common types of pain

Back pain

A common ailment affecting millions, back pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating conditions. Whether it's from slouching over your laptop or a deeper health issue, back pain is a signal your body sends, telling you something needs attention.

Headache

One of the most common forms of pain, headaches can be caused by a variety of factors: stress, not drinking enough water, or even medical conditions can set off a headache. It's your body's way of ringing the alarm bell, often signalling that you need to slow down, hydrate, or perhaps seek medical advice if they're frequent.

Joint pain

Often linked to arthritis, it can really put a damper on your day-to-day activities. It's like your joints are keeping a painful score of every step and bend, making even simple tasks feel daunting.

Period pain

For many women, period pain is a monthly visitor they'd rather not entertain. It can be a mild annoyance for some, but for others, it's a severe ordeal. It's a natural part of the menstrual cycle, yet it can feel anything but normal when it's causing significant discomfort.

Muscular pain

Muscle pain can occur due to overuse, injury, or health conditions, or maybe it's from something as simple as an awkward sleep position. It's your muscles telling you they've been stretched, strained, or injured and need some TLC.

Dental pain

Dental pain is hard to ignore – it can be sharp and insistent, like a warning siren for your teeth and gums. Whether it's cavities, an infection, or gum disease, dental pain is your body's SOS, signalling that it's time to see the dentist.

Different classifications of pain

Pain comes in various forms and understanding these can help in finding the right treatment. Let's break down these classifications:

Nociceptive

Nociceptive pain is the pain you feel when you stub a toe or cut your finger. It's all about responding to physical harm, whether it's a scrape, a burn, or something more serious. It's your body letting you know something isn’t right.

Non-nociceptive

Non-nociceptive isn't about direct physical injuries. It's more about how your nervous system processes pain signals. Sometimes, your body's pain system gets a bit mixed up, sending pain signals without a clear physical cause. It's like a false alarm – there's no immediate injury, but your body thinks there is.

Somatic

Somatic pain is all about the surface and deeper layers of your body – like your skin, muscles, and joints. When you pull a muscle or have a throbbing cut, that's somatic pain in action. It's usually easier to pinpoint where this pain is coming from because it's tied to specific body parts.

Neuropathic

This type of pain is a glitch in your body's electrical system. It happens when your nerves themselves are damaged or malfunctioning. Imagine a frayed electrical wire sending sparks – neuropathic pain can feel like those unexpected, often sharp, electric shocks.

Sympathetic

Sympathetic pain is a bit of a medical mystery. It's associated with a malfunctioning nervous system and often arises after an injury. The pain tends to linger much longer than the injury itself, almost like an echo of the original pain.

Visceral

This pain comes from your internal organs. It can be tricky to pinpoint and describe because it's more about a general sense of discomfort or a deep ache. Think about the pain from a stomach ache or kidney stones – that's visceral pain.

Referred

Ever had a heart attack but felt pain in your arm? That's referred pain. It's when you feel pain in a different part of your body from where the problem actually is. It's like your body's wires getting crossed in sending pain signals.

At Pharmacy Online, we understand that pain isn't just a one-size-fits-all experience. Each type of pain has its own characteristics and requires a different approach to treatment. Speak to one of our pharmacists today to find the most effective relief for your specific type of pain.

How is pain diagnosed?

Diagnosing pain is the first step towards effective treatment, as it helps in pinpointing the exact cause and type of pain you're experiencing. Let's look at how healthcare professionals approach this:

Physical examination

First things first, your doctor will likely start with a physical exam. They’ll look for clues about what might be causing your pain. They'll check the painful area, looking for signs of injury or inflammation, and might ask you to move or bend to understand the pain's impact on your mobility.

Medical history

Your medical history gives your doctor insights into your health. They'll ask about any past injuries, surgeries, or ongoing health conditions. Even details like your daily activities or changes in your lifestyle can offer valuable clues.

Pain description

Describing your pain is more important than you might think. Is it sharp or dull? Constant or comes and goes? Does it feel like burning or stabbing? This information helps your doctor figure out what kind of pain you're dealing with and what might be causing it.

Imaging tests

Sometimes, the cause of pain isn't visible on the surface. That's where imaging tests come in, like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, which can show problems with bones, tissues, or organs that might be the source of your pain.

Other tests

In some cases, more specific tests might be needed. This could include blood tests to check for infections or inflammation, nerve tests for neuropathic pain, or even referral to a specialist for a more in-depth evaluation.

The different types of pain relief treatments available in the UK

There are various pain relief options available, including opioid and non-opioid analgesics. Popular choices include Paracetamol, NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin, and antidepressants for chronic pain.

Opioid Analgesics

Opioids are powerful pain relievers, often reserved for more severe pain. They work by binding to specific receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body, effectively blocking pain signals. Common opioids include codeine, morphine, and oxycodone. While effective, they do come with a risk of dependence and other side effects, which makes careful management essential.

Non-opioid Analgesics

These are often the first line of defence against pain. Non-opioid analgesics, like acetaminophen (Paracetamol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), work differently from opioids. They're used to treat mild to moderate pain and are generally considered safer for longer-term use, with fewer risks compared to opioids.

Paracetamol

A staple in many households, Paracetamol is effective for mild to moderate pain and is less harsh on the stomach than NSAIDs. It works by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain, which helps to lessen pain and lower fever.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs include well-known drugs like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Diclofenac. They reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) that play a key role in producing prostaglandins, which cause inflammation, pain, and fever. They're particularly effective for inflammatory pain like arthritis.

Ibuprofen

A commonly used NSAID, Ibuprofen is effective for a range of pain types, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscular pain. It's available over-the-counter and in prescription strength.

Aspirin

Besides its pain-relieving properties, Aspirin is also an anti-inflammatory and blood thinner, making it a versatile medication. It's often used for headaches, muscle aches, and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke in certain individuals.

Diclofenac

Another NSAID, Diclofenac, is stronger and often used for conditions like arthritis. It's available in both topical forms, like gels and creams, and oral formulations.

Antidepressants for chronic pain

Certain antidepressants are used in pain management, especially for chronic pain like neuropathic pain. They work by altering neurotransmitters in the brain that can influence pain perception. Medications like amitriptyline, duloxetine, and venlafaxine are examples.

What painkiller is the strongest?

When it comes to the strongest painkillers available, opioid analgesics often top the list. They're particularly effective for severe pain, such as pain after surgery or for chronic pain conditions. However, understanding their strength also involves recognising the associated risks and side effects.

Opioids are known for their high potency. Some of the strongest opioids include morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone. Fentanyl, for instance, is up to 100 times more potent than morphine. They work by mimicking the action of pain-reducing chemicals in the brain, known as endorphins, which block pain signals and provide significant relief.

While opioids are effective, they come with a range of side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and potential for respiratory depression. One of the most significant concerns with opioids is the risk of developing dependence or addiction. This risk increases with prolonged use and higher dosages.

Due to these risks, opioids are usually prescribed with careful monitoring. They are often reserved for situations where other pain relief methods have been ineffective.

The potential side effects of pain relief medications

Pain relief medications, while effective in managing discomfort, can come with their own set of side effects. It's important to be aware of these potential issues to use these medications safely and effectively.

Side effects of opioid analgesics

• Drowsiness and sedation: Opioids can cause significant drowsiness, impacting your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, like driving.
• Nausea and vomiting: These are common side effects, especially when you first start taking opioids.
• Constipation: Opioids often slow down the digestive system, leading to constipation.
• Respiratory depression: In high doses, opioids can affect breathing, which is why they must be used under strict medical supervision.

Non-opioid analgesics side effects

• Gastrointestinal issues: NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and aspirin, can cause stomach upset, heartburn, and in some cases, ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Liver and kidney damage: Overuse of certain non-opioid analgesics, particularly acetaminophen (Paracetamol), can lead to liver damage, and NSAIDs can affect kidney function.
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke: Long-term or high-dose use of some NSAIDs may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Side effects of antidepressants for pain

• Dry mouth and blurred vision: These are common side effects of certain antidepressants used in pain management.
• Weight gain and sexual dysfunction: Some people may experience changes in weight or sexual function.
• Dizziness and sleep disturbances: These medications can affect sleep patterns and cause dizziness, especially when starting or changing doses.

General side effects across various pain medications

• Allergic reactions: Rashes, itching, or more severe allergic reactions can occur with any medication. If you experience an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
• Interactions with other medications: Pain medications can interact with other drugs, leading to increased side effects or reduced effectiveness.
• Tolerance and dependence: Particularly with opioids, there's a risk of developing tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect) and dependence.

What is the best painkiller for me?

Finding the right painkiller hinges on your specific situation. It's not a one-size-fits-all answer. Consider the type and severity of your pain, your overall health, and any other medications you're taking. The potential side effects of the painkiller should also be a key factor in your decision. Personal factors like lifestyle and how your body reacts to certain medications are important too.

If you’re unsure, speak with a member of our pharmacy team to help you find a pain relief option that's safe and effective for you, tailored to your individual health needs and daily life.