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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Pain relief medicines

For pain such as backpain or headaches, simple painkillers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory agents work best but can have potential side effects, so you need to weigh up the pros and cons.

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Medicines

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

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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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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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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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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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Opioids

Opioids are a group of medicines that may be prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Opioids reduce feelings of pain by interrupting the way nerves signal pain between the brain and the body. Sometimes opioids are taken after being obtained illegally for non-prescribed use.

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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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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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Pain relief during labour

Learn about the different ways to relieve pain during childbirth, and how your support person can help you.

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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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Back pain diagnosis and treatment

Find out how a doctor diagnoses the cause of back pain and how to treat it, including with pain relief medication, physical therapy, acupuncture and self-care.

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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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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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Tramadol

Tramadol is a pain relief medicine. This page explains what tramadol is used for, how it works, its risks and other treatment options available in its place.

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Pain and aches

There are many different kinds of pain. Some are sharp, others are dull. Pain might come and go, or it might be constant. Here’s information about pain, as well as pain relief medicines.

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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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Nerve pain (neuralgia)

Nerve pain can feel like a shooting, stabbing or burning sensation. There are many ways to treat it, such as traditional pain relief medicines, exercise and alternative therapies. Learn how to identify symptoms and manage nerve pain.

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Dental appliance problems

Problems with orthodontic and dental appliances will arise from time to time. In most cases a dentist will advise on the best treatment plan for you.

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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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Nerve pain medication

There are many different types of medicines used to help ease nerve pain. Find out more about what medicines to take from a trusted source.

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Cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal)

A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove the gallbladder, and is usually done using keyhole surgery. Find out how and why this operation is performed.

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Dental braces and retainers

Dental braces and retainers are designed to improve appearance or correct your bite or jaw function. Learn about the benefits, risks and how much they cost.

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Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy, which affects people with diabetes, causes pain or numbness in the hands, feet or limbs because the nerves are damaged. Learn more here.

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Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a type of anti-inflammatory pain reliever. It is a medicine that treats fever and pain caused by inflammation. It belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.

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Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can cause pain, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs because of damage to the nerves. Learn about some of the possible causes here.

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Managing period pain

Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is common but can stop some women from enjoying their normal activities. Here are some ways to manage painful periods.

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Gastritis

Gastritis occurs when the cells lining the stomach become inflamed, but often it has no symptoms. Find out here about its causes, treatments and more.

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Back pain

Back pain is very common and affects most people at some point in their life. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and how to prevent it.

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