Pharmacist Clare Kerr answers your questions and concerns about your medication. This month, she helps a Keep the Doctor Away member battling back pain.

Clare has worked for Lloydspharmacy for 16 years since training as a pharmacist at Queens University in Northern Ireland.

Question

I suffer from back pain. Can I treat it with over the counter painkillers?

Clare’s Answer

Back pain is extremely common and most back pain is caused by strains that can happen when lifting heavy objects, turning awkwardly, slouching when sitting or standing in a bad position. The pain normally begins suddenly in the lower back and is associated with movement.

You can treat the pain by taking paracetamol or by taking an anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen. When taking ibuprofen, remember to take it after food and if you are asthmatic, talk to your doctor before commencing treatment. Some anti-inflammatory medicines also come in the form of a gel and can be applied to the affected area. These include Ibuleve and Oruvail gel. Speak to your local pharmacist about the best medication for you.

As an alternative you could also consider using a TENS machine. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and works by sending gentle electrical pulses across the surface of the skin and along the nerve fibres. The pulses help to relieve pain in two ways; they prevent pain signals reaching the brain and encourage your body to produce higher levels of its own natural painkillers called endorphins.

You should consider seeing your doctor if there is no improvement after about a week. You should also see you doctor if you have any pain running down one or both of your legs, if you are experiencing any numbness in your legs or if you are have any problems passing urine.

Clare works daily in the area of new developments in diabetes screening and blood pressure services, however she can provide advice in all of the following areas: pain and analgesics, over the counter medicines, allergies, cholesterol, vitamins, smoking cessation, lifestyle/health balance and safety essentials.

Originally from Belfast, Clare now lives in Leicestershire with her husband and five year old daughter.

For more questions answered by Clare, Click Here.

If you have a question for Clare, all you have to do is use the Comment on this Article box below. Answers will be published on the site and in next month’s newsletter – be sure to sign-up below for the latest health news, diet tips, health guides and more, if you haven’t already!