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In Agony? Acute Pain First Aid: 

  • Alternate taking Paracetamol and Ibruprofen (if you are safe to do so). Follow the instructions on the packet.
  • Consult your GP for stronger pain relieving medication if necessary.
  • Try to engage in gentle exercise, such as gentle walking, to keep as mobile as possible.
  • Avoid activities that aggravate your problem.
  • Take time off of work if necessary - you are entitled to one week off of work before having to produce a sick note from your GP.
  • Stop any hobbies if they are contributing to your problem.
  • If uncomfortable in bed, consider lying on your side. Choose the most comfortable side. Consider placing a pillow between your knees as this can often help.

Cold pack therapy:

Try applying an Ice pack to swollen or inflamed areas. Wrap the ice pack in some kitchen roll and place directly on the inflamed area for up to 10 minutes at a time. Repeat every hour in acute stages or 3 times daily. Stop if it is making your symptoms worse.

Hot and cold therapy:

Alternate a hot water bottle (not boiling) with an ice pack on the area that is painful. Make sure that some kitchen roll is placed between the pack and your skin. Alternate 2 minutes of each at a time.

for example:

Cold (2 mins) - Hot (2 mins) - Cold (2 mins)- Hot (2 mins) - Cold (2 mins) 

IMPORTANT - Please read:

Our clinic regularly sees patients with problems that have not responded to medical treatments or people who are unable to wait to be seen on the NHS. However, if you have back or neck pain with any of the associated symptoms below, then it is recommended that you do not consult our office and seek urgent medical attention.

  • If you are unable to urinate
  • If you are unable to empty your bowels
  • If you have become incontinent since the onset of your back or neck pain.
  • If you have an associated fever
  • If you have associated numbness or pins and needles around your anus
  • If you have pins and needles or numbness in BOTH legs/feet
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