When we encounter acute pain, the first thing to come into mind is to take a pill or seek medical advice but if the pain persists, a mixture of remedial treatments and lifestyle changes may often bring lasting relief.

1. HEALING PEPTIC ULCER

An open sore develops in the stomach lining (a gastric ulcer) or the small intestine (a duodenal ulcer). A type of bacteria, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), is thought to be the main cause.

The main symptom is a recurrent gnawing pain in the centre of the abdomen. The usual treatment are antibiotics if H. pylori is causing the ulcer, where tackling the infection can allow the ulcer to heal or Proton Pump Inhibitors where a course of medication that reduces the amount of acid made by your stomach often provides effective relief in the long term.

What You Can Also Do Or Try

• Avoid spicy foods and alcohol, which can trigger or worsen symptoms.
• Aloe vera juice may help to quell inflammation and reduce stomach-acid secretion.
• Cut back on coffee and tea, which can increase production of stomach acid (you can drink herbal tea, such as chamomile or fennel instead).

2. CONTROLLING IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is an intermittent cramp-like abdominal pain.

Anti-spasmodic medications help to ease pain and bloating. ‘Gut-directed’ hypnotherapy teaches you how to control gut activity. Besides this, acupuncture may also be effective.

What You Can Also Do Or Try

• Cut out wheat fibre and increase the bulk in your diet by eating more pulses, fruit and vegetables, which provide soluble fibre.
• To help you to pinpoint problem foods, keep a food diary where you can record what you eat each day.

3. LESSEN MENSTRUAL PAIN

This involves pain or cramps in the lower abdomen just before or during a period.

If painkillers like over-the-counter medicines do not give relief, a stronger medication, such as co-codamol (codeine with paracetamol), may be prescribed.

If you are not currently trying to get pregnant, you could try the combined contraceptive pill and TENS(Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Simulation) can sometimes relieve symptoms that cause menstrual pains.

What You Can Also Do Or Try

• Acupuncture, acupressure, spinal manipulation and herbal remedies.
• Activities such as swimming, cycling or walking, self-massage can also be comforting (use light circular movements around your lower abdomen).

4. ALLEVIATE BACK PAIN

Ranging from a dull ache to sudden sharp pain, back pain affects 4 out of 5 of us at some time or another.

The usual painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are often effective and stronger painkillers such as codeine and dihydrocodeine may be prescribed if pain is severe.

What You Can Also Do Or Try

• Spinal manipulation and massage physiotherapy, osteopathy or chiropractic are helpful for some back problems.
• Yoga, Pilates or Alexander technique may be beneficial in the longer term.
• Having a hot bath or applying a hot water bottle or heat pack to the affected area can ease muscular pain.
• In other cases, the application of cold is more effective. Use a specially designed cool pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel.

5. TENSION HEADACHE

Tension headache is typified by dull steady ache that spreads to or from the neck. It can feel as though a band is being pulled tightly around your head.

Painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen may work for you. If the headache becomes chronic, consult your doctor who may suggest an antidepressant.

What You Can Also Do Or Try

• Yoga and pilates are activities that will relax muscular tension and improve posture.
• Cranial osteopathy which involves gentle manipulation at the base of thc skull and top of the neck.
• Acupuncture is another option.
• Take a holiday or at least some time away from work or home pressures and try to relax.
• Get plenty of sleep and take regular walks.
• Keep a headache diary to pinpoint triggers so that you can be better prepared should these heachache episodes reappear.

6. NERVE PAIN

Nerve pain is often caused by a trapped, damaged or pinched nerve. Shooting or burning pain and tingling sensation or numbness are among the symptoms. Always talk to your regular doctor about this type of pain.

Medications you may be prescribed include antidepressants, anti-epileptics or opioids, depending on the type of pain.

What You Can Also Do Or Try

• Acupuncture and relaxation training.
• High blood-glucose levels have been linked with nerve pain in people with diabetes, so keep an eye on these. There is some evidence that taking B vitamins can help, especially if the nerve pain is linked to a medical condition such diabetes.

7. FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain across the body that last for 3 months or more. The cause is unknown.

Usually if painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen are not effective, a stronger medicine such as codeine may be recommended.

What You Can Also Do Or Try

• Physiotherapy Exercise. Get advice from a physiotherapist that may help you to become more active.
• Chiropractic and osteopathy are also worth considering.
• Take regular exercise, such as walking, swimming or yoga.
• Make time to relax.

8. COPING WITH CYITITIS

Cyititis is a urinary tract infection affecting thc bladder that can cause abdominal pain and discomfort when passing urine. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics, painkillers (example : paracetamol and ibuprofen), potasium citrate or sodium citrate will make urine less acidic and therefore less painful to pass.

What You Can Also Do Or Try

• Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out the bacteria.
• Warmth from a hot water bottle can be soothing.