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Managing pain without medicines Managing pain without medicines

Depending on the type of pain you are experiencing, there may be non-medicine ways to relieve your pain. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about non-medicine options that may help to treat your pain.

Below are some common types of pain and ideas that may help to control them without using medicines.

Headaches

Keep a 'headache diary'

There are many possible causes for headaches.

Recording your activities — such as what you eat and drink, medicines you are taking, changes in your environment and your hormonal cycle — will help you identify any patterns and triggers that may lead to your headaches.

Look after your body

A healthy lifestyle involves eating healthily and regularly, drinking plenty of water and limiting the amounts of caffeine and alcohol you have, being physically active, having sufficient sleep and good posture, and ensuring that working and living areas are well ventilated and well lit. These habits may help reduce or eliminate headaches.

Manage your stress

Improving your management of stress can also help to control tension headaches. Everyone has periods of stress so it is important to deal with it effectively, by learning to control your stress levels and relax. It may be helpful to try some of the following methods to find out what works best for you:

  • going for a brisk walk in fresh air
  • tensing then slowly relaxing your muscles
  • doing meditation, relaxation therapy and yoga
  • taking slow regular full breaths
  • having a scalp, neck and shoulder massage
  • soaking in a warm bath
  • placing a cold or warm cloth or towel on the forehead or the back of your neck
  • resting in a dark and quiet room
  • sleeping.

Period pain

The pain associated with menstrual periods is thought to be caused by the muscles of the uterus squeezing and contracting harder than usual to dislodge the thickened lining. These contractions may also hamper blood flow to the uterus, making it more painful.

It may be helpful to try some of the following to find out what works best for you:

  • doing regular exercise and paying attention to overall physical fitness
  • using a heat treatment, such as a hot water bottle held across the abdomen or a warm bath
  • using relaxation techniques
  • resting in bed.

Low back pain

See our Acute low back pain section for suggested non-medicine treatments.

MANAGING PAIN
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MANAGING PAIN
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Date published: 2011-02-25 00:00:00

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