Wellbeing buy of the week: back pain relief

What is it?

Deep Relief is a gel containing two ingredients to act together on your pain: ibuprofen and levomenthol. It's available over the counter for use on aches, pains and swellings including rheumatic and muscular problems and strains and sprains from minor accidents or sports injuries.

What will it do for me?

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which works at the site of the inflammation and block the pain signal to the brain , as well as reducing inflammation.

Levomenthol stimulates the nerves that perceive cold while depressing the nerves that perceive pain. When 'cold' signals to the brain are more intense than pain signals, less or no pain is felt. 

How much and where from?

A 30g tube costs £3.99; a 50g tube £4.99, from retail outlets. A 100g tube, £9.99 is available from pharmacies only.

Anything else? 

Like over eight million other people in the UK, I have a 'bad back'. And until I can see my osteopath, I need something to take the pain away. Taking painkillers by mouth takes the edge off, but this combination is extremely effective as it acts on the site of the pain - lower back in my case. A 'hot and cold' sensation is the initial effect, relaxing and soothing the affected area, and then of course the painkilling properties of the ibuprofen kick in. The gel is easily absorbed and not sticky.

By Adrienne Wyper