Pain Relief
Chronic or acute pain can significantly impact quality of life and daily activities. Chemist Doctor provides access to pain relief treatments prescribed online by UK-registered practitioners. Our service ensures safe, appropriate medication tailored to your needs.
Find Pain Relief Treatments
Naproxen tablets
What Causes Pain? Biological Mechanisms Explained
Pain acts as your body’s alarm system, triggered when specialised nerve endings detect tissue damage or potential harm. These nociceptors send electrical signals through the spinal cord to the brain, which interprets them as discomfort. Think of it like a car dashboard warning light – the sensation itself isn’t harmful but indicates something needs attention.
7 Major Pain Categories
- Acute Pain: Short-term protection (e.g., burns, fractures)
- Chronic Pain: Persists >3 months (e.g., arthritis, neuropathy)
- Somatic Pain: Localised in skin/muscles (sharp, throbbing)
- Visceral Pain: Internal organs (dull, cramping)
- Neuropathic Pain: Nerve damage (burning, tingling)
- Referred Pain: Felt away from source (e.g., heart attack shoulder pain)
- Sympathetic Pain: Linked to nervous system dysfunction
Common Pain Sources
| Type | Typical Causes | NHS Prevalence Data |
|---|---|---|
| Back Pain | Muscle strain, slipped discs | 1 in 5 UK adults yearly (NHS) |
| Migraines | Neurological dysfunction | 8M UK sufferers (NHS) |
| Arthritis | Joint inflammation | 10M+ UK cases (NHS) |
Pain Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Medical Assessment
UK GPs follow NICE guidelines (NG193) for pain evaluation:
- Pain History: Location, intensity (0-10 scale), duration
- Physical Exam: Range of motion, neurological tests
- Diagnostic Imaging: X-rays/MRI if structural issues suspected
- Blood Tests: Inflammation markers, infection signs
Pain Medications: Types and NHS Guidance
UK-approved pain treatments range from over-the-counter options to specialist prescriptions. Always consult your GP before starting new medication.
Prescription Pain Relief Comparison
| Class | Mechanism | Common Uses | NHS First-Line? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opioids | Block brain pain receptors | Post-surgical, cancer pain | No (NHS) |
| NSAIDs | Reduce inflammation | Arthritis, strains | Yes (NHS) |
| Antidepressants | Modulate nerve signals | Neuropathic pain | Second-line |
Opioid Safety Protocol
Per NICE guidelines (NG140):
- Start with lowest effective dose
- Maximum 3-day course for acute pain
- Regular review of dependency risk
Non-Medication Pain Treatments
40% of UK pain management plans combine medication with physical therapies (NICE):
Nerve Block Types
- Diagnostic: Identifies pain sources (e.g., facet joint blocks)
- Therapeutic: Local anaesthetics for acute relief
- Sympathetic: Targets autonomic nervous system
TENS Machine Efficacy
While NHS-approved, effectiveness varies:
| Condition | Success Rate | Typical Session Length |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Back Pain | 58% report improvement | 30-60 mins |
| Labour Pain | 41% efficacy | As needed |
Pain Prevention Strategies
NICE recommends multimodal approaches:
Lifestyle Modifications
- Maintain BMI <25 to reduce joint stress
- 30 mins daily low-impact exercise
- Ergonomic workstation setup
Medication Safety
- Never exceed 4g/day paracetamol
- Limit NSAIDs to 10 days without GP review
- Use PPIs with long-term NSAID use
Where Can I Buy Pain Relief Medication Online in the UK
Secure Pain Relief Prescription & Next-Day Delivery Service
Order pain relief medication with confidence through our UK-registered medical prescribers, who review all requests within 4 working hours. We guarantee same-day prescription approval for eligible patients and dispatch orders placed before 3pm for next-day tracked delivery.
Our pain relief service combines competitive pricing with strict adherence to MHRA safety standards, ensuring your medication is dispensed through GPhC-registered pharmacies. Every purchase includes discreet packaging and a GDPR-compliant consultation process.
Our pain management clinical team ensures:
- Full medical history review (including kidney/liver function)
- Drug interaction checks (especially with blood thinners)
- Personalised treatment plan based on pain type and severity
Always consult your GP for persistent pain (beyond 3 days), severe symptoms, or if you're pregnant/have heart conditions. Over-the-counter options may be suitable for mild pain.
 | Authored by Nabeel |
Medical Content Manager
Nabeel is a co-founder, and medical content manager of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
 | Reviewed by Dr. Feroz (GMC:7921697) |
Medical Doctor
Dr. Feroz is a GMC-registered doctor and a medical reviewer at Chemist Doctor. He oversees acute condition and urgent care guidance.
 | Approved by Usman |
Medical Director
Usman is a co-founder, and medical director of Chemist Doctor. He leads the organisation's strategic vision, bridging clinical and operational priorities.
Review Date: 17 April 2025
Next Review: 7 November 2025
Published on: 17 April 2025
Last Updated: 18 April 2025
Popular Conditions
Useful Links
We Are Regulated
