Ouch! Your ultimate guide to pain relief

Joint pain

‘This includes osteoarthritis, which is wear and tear on joints, such as hips and knees, and rheumatoid arthritis; your body’s immune system attacking its own joints,’ says 'Embarrassing Bodies' GP Dr Pixie McKenna, author of 'The Handbag Doctor' (Kyle Cathie, £9.99). ‘It causes joints in the hands and feet to become stiff, swollen and inflamed.’

Natural

Research has shown that ginger’s pain-killing properties for osteoarthritis were on a par with over-the-counter painkillers. ‘Start the day with fresh ginger tea,’ says Susan Smith Jones, author of 'The Healing Power of Nature Foods' (Hay House, £9.99).

Over the counter

‘For osteoarthritis, try paracetamol, and glucosamine supplements at 1500g a day,’ says Dr Pixie. For rheumatoid arthritis, paracetamol and codeine can reduce pain, but nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen also reduce inflammation to ease swelling.

On prescription

For either kind of pain, your GP may prescribe capsaicin cream, made using the active ingredients from chilli peppers.

Headaches

Tension headaches affect around 40 per cent of UK adults. ‘Women are twice as likely to suffer as men,’ says Dr Pixie. ‘They can be brought on by stress, poor posture, tiredness, depression, an ear infection, dehydration, eye strain, sinus problems or even tooth-grinding at night.’

Natural

To soothe an occasional headache, apply three drops of neat lavender essential oil to a cotton wool pad and apply to forehead and temples, suggests aromatherapist Jennie Harding, author of 'The Essential Oils Handbook' (Duncan Baird, £8.99). Or try Tisserand Head Clear Roll-On Remedy (£4.96 from www.tisserand.com)

Over the counter

Take ibuprofen or paracetamol if the pain is severe, says Dr Pixie.

On prescription

Take ibuprofen or paracetamol if the pain is severe, says Dr Pixie.

Period pain

That nagging, dragging pain caused by contractions of the uterus or womb can leave you feeling washed out and exhausted.

Natural

A hot water bottle is as effective as ibuprofen, according to one American study, or try this: ‘Steep a handful of fresh thyme in a teapot of boiling water for five to seven minutes, then drink hot or cold,’ says women’s health expert Emma Cannon (www.emmacannon.co.uk).

Over the counter

Ibuprofen is better for relieving period pain than paracetamol, according to recent research from New Zealand.

On prescription

Need something stronger? For exceptionally bad days, your GP can prescribe Ponstan, which contains mefenamic acid, to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Mouth ulcers

More women than men get these painful sores (hormonal fluctuations can trigger them), and one in five people in the UK gets recurrent mouth ulcers. Brushing your teeth too hard, biting your cheek, stress, and foods including chocolate, coffee, peanuts and tomatoes have all been identified as mouth ulcer triggers.

Natural

Cooled chamomile tea can soothe inflammation – gently swish it around your mouth as you drink.

Over the counter

Try a pain relief gel, such as Boots Pharmaceuticals Mouth Ulcer Patch (£6.12 for six, from www.boots.com), which forms a protective barrier over the ulcer, reducing discomfort in 20 seconds.

On prescription

If you’re really struggling, your GP can prescribe corticosteroid lozenges, and painkilling sprays or mouthwashes.

Migraines

These severe throbbing headaches, sometimes with nausea and sensitivity to light, leave you with a fatigue ‘hangover’. They affect around one in four women, and hormonal fluctuations at menopause, menstruation and via the contraceptive pill can influence migraines.

Natural

Try Migra-Cap (£29.99 from www.migracap.co.uk), a light-blocking lycra cap filled with cooling gel patches designed for people with migraines.

Over the counter

Try ibuprofen – around half of people with migraine will get relief in two hours from this, according to recent research. Or, opt for Imigran Recovery (£8.52 for two tablets, from www.boots.com).

On prescription

Your GP can prescribe stronger painkillers, and drugs including beta blockers and anti-inflammatories to try and reduce the frequency, or refer you to a specialist migraine clinic.

Back pain

Backs are so complex that even twisting, coughing, reaching or slouching on the sofa for a day can set off lower back pain that makes everything a chore. If it doesn’t get better in three days, see your GP. In the meantime – or if you’re coping with a chronic condition – try these ideas as well as the usual painkillers.

Natural

According to the Pain Relief Foundation (www.painrelieffoundation.org.uk), a distraction can help you forget about pain. Listen to your favourite music, go walking with a friend, or watch a feelgood film.

Over the counter

‘Try a hot bath with two drops of ginger, two drops of vetiver and two drops of rosemary essential oils,’ says aromatherapist Jennie Harding. Find essential oils at www.lloydspharmacy.com, priced from around £5).

On prescription

Acupuncture is available on the NHS for chronic lower back pain. Or find a qualified acupuncturist at the British Acupuncture Council (www.acupuncture.org.uk).

Breast pain

Tender breasts are a common symptom of premenstrual hormonal imbalances and can stop you getting a comfortable night’s sleep.

Natural

‘Try evening primrose oil, rich in anti-inflammatory acids for at least two months, unless you have epilepsy,’ says Boots pharmacist Angela Chalmers. ‘Ditch dairy and red meat for a couple of months to see if it helps, too,’ says Dr Pixie. ‘It will reduce exposure to artificial hormones, and studies have shown a link between PMS and a high animal-fat intake.’

Over the counter

‘Take paracetamol, or rub in an antiinflammatory cream such as Voltarol Emulgel P (£4.99 for 30g, from www.boots.com), and wear a soft support bra overnight,’ says Dr Pixie.

On prescription

Only in extreme cases will your GP potentially prescribe hormonal-based medications, such as Danazol, which is licensed to treat severe pain caused by fibrocystic breast disease, when benign growths occur.