Pain relief after surgery

Pain after an operation is a common problem but there is no need for you to be in a lot of pain. Pain relief after surgery is usually safe and effective.

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Pain relief during labour

Learn what options are available to you to relieve pain during labour pain, and how your birth support partner can help you.

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Epidural injection for chronic pain relief

An epidural injection can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief.

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Pethidine

Pethidine is an opioid pain-relief medicine that your doctor can prescribe. Find out more about pethidine, how it works and possible side effects.

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Tapentadol

Tapentadol is a prescription-only opioid medicine used for pain relief. Find out more about tapentadol, how it works and about possible side effects.

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Medicines

Learn more about a range of medicines, such as pain relief medicines, antidepressants and medicines for children.

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Peripheral nerve block (lower limb)

A peripheral lower limb nerve block can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after the operation.

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Peripheral nerve block (upper limb)

A peripheral upper limb nerve block can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after the operation.

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Spinal anaesthetic

A spinal anaesthetic can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after an operation or procedure.

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Epidural anaesthetic

An epidural anaesthetic can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after an operation or procedure.

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Aches and pains

Pain is a part of life, but it shouldn't stop you from living. Learn about the types of pain including back pain, headaches, and swelling in the groin, as well as pain relief such as paracetamol.

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TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

TENS machine delivers a small electrical current to the body through electrodes attached to the skin. TENS, is a form of pain relief without medicine. Find out more about TENS.

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Anaesthetics (overview)

There are different forms of anaestheisa that can be used to provide a safe and effective way for you to have an operation or procedure, and to give you pain relief. Most people do not have any problems and are satisfied with their anaesthetic.

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Can medicines be addictive?

Some medicines can cause dependence and addiction. Learn which ones are associated with these risks and how to avoid dependence or addiction when taking them.

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Morphine

Morphine is an opioid-based medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out more about morphine, how it works and possible side effects.

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Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a high-strength opioid medicine that can be prescribed by your doctor. Find out more about fentanyl, how it works and possible side effects.

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Taking opioid medicines safely

Opioid medicines are prescribed to relieve pain caused by cancer, surgery or injury. It's crucial to take them safely to reduce the risk of opioid harm.

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Opioids

Opioids are a group of medicines prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Learn about their side effects, withdrawal symptoms and what to do in an overdose.

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Headache medication

Most people have headaches occasionally. Find out what can cause them and how you can treat different types of headaches.

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Facet joint injection

A facet joint injection can be used to find out if your pain is caused by your facet joints, or to treat pain in your facet joints.

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Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that causes pain in the back and legs. Discover more about the causes of sciatica, how the symptoms develop and how it's treated.

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Back pain

Back pain is common and affects most people at some point in their life. Learn about its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

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Pain-relief medicines

There's a range of pain-relief medicines for acute or chronic pain, including over-the-counter and prescription medication. All have possible side effects.

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Opioid medicines and pain

Some pain medicines, such as opioids, need to be taken with care. Learn about the risks and benefits of opioids, side effects and pain-relief alternatives.

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Oxycodone

Oxycodone is an opioid pain-relief medicine used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Find out how oxycodone works and about possible side effects.

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Tramadol

Tramadol is an opioid pain-relief medicine used for moderate to severe pain. Find out how it works, and about side effects and alternatives.

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Common questions about opioid medicines and pain

Opioid medicines can help alleviate pain. But like all medicines, opioids come with risks and side effects. You should be informed about your pain medication and pain-relief options. Here are some frequently asked questions about opioids.

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Headaches

Headache is a common health complaint, but most headaches are easily treated. Learn about the different types of headaches and pain-relief options.

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Codeine no longer available over the counter from Feb 1

Pain-relief medicines that contain codeine will no longer be available without a doctor's prescription from 1 Feb 2018. Here’s what you need to know.

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Toothache and swelling

Toothache can start suddenly, with pain ranging from mild to very strong. It may extend from the tooth to the head, ear and jaw. Find out about pain relief options.

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