NHS: Painkillers, ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a painkiller, which is available over-the-counter, without a prescription.
It is one of a group of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and can be used to:
- ease mild to moderate pain – such as toothache, migraines and period pain
- control a fever (high temperature, also known as pyrexia) – for example, when someone has the flu (influenza)
- ease pain and inflammation (redness and swelling) caused by rheumatic diseases (conditions that affect the joints) and musculoskeletal disorders (conditions that affect the bones and muscles) – such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
- ease pain and swelling caused by sprains and strains, such as sports injuries
NHS: Painkillers, paracetamol
Paracetamol is a painkilling (analgesic) medicine available over-the-counter without a prescription.
Paracetamol can be used to:
- ease mild to moderate pain – for example, headaches, sprains, or toothache
- control a fever (high temperature, also known as pyrexia) – for example, when someone has the flu (influenza)
NHS: Epidural anaesthesia
Epidural anaesthesia, often referred to as "an epidural", is an injection in the lower back that numbs the nerves and stops you feeling pain ... read more
The Pain Relief Foundation
The Pain Relief Foundation was established as a registered charity in 1979, in response to the need for specialised research into the causes and treatment of chronic pain in humans ... read more
The British Pain Society
The British Pain Society has a membership of over 1,400 and is involved in all aspects of pain and its management through the work of the Council, Committees and Working Parties ... read more