Back Pain

Many people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and generally it will resolve itself within weeks, maybe months.

Back pain can impact any part of the spine, ranging from up by the neck to down near the hips, but lumbago, or pain in the lower back, is one of the most common types.

There is rarely a single, obvious cause of back pain. You can take various steps to try and ease the discomfort, but with time it will normally heal itself. In rarer cases, it may continue to recur over time or become chronic.

Ways to alleviate back pain

These are some ways that you may be able to alleviate your back pain so that you recover more quickly:

. Continue your regular life and activities as much as possible. Prolonged inactivity can exacerbate the pain.

. Recommended exercises whilst experiencing back pain include pilates, yoga, walking and swimming. Ensure you incorporate stretching into your exercise routine.

. Applying heat or cold to your back, such as through compression packs, may ease pain temporarily

. Medication may alleviate pain and inflammation.

After a brief consultation with one of our pharmacists, we may offer you one of a wide range of treatment options for your back pain. Naproxen is one of the most popular choices.

Naproxen

Naproxen is a painkiller known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties. This has led to it being used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, which can cause pain in the joints and muscles.

What is Naproxen?

Many conditions that cause swelling, inflammation and pain can be treated with Naproxen, including:

. Arthritis

. Back pain

. Gout

. Headaches

. Joint pain

. Menstrual cramps/period pain

. Sprains

. Strains

It is recommended you take Naproxen tablets twice daily, though it can be taken every six to eight hours if necessary. A regular dose is between 250mg and 500mg.

How to take Naproxen

You should leave between six to eight hours between each 500g dose of Naproxen. Usually, the recommendation is to take Naproxen tablets twice a day, preferably once with breakfast and once with dinner.

For acute injuries, such as strained or sprained muscles, then you should continue to take Naproxen regularly over several days to ensure effectiveness. You can take it as necessary.

Naproxen tablets should always be consumed with food.

Side Effects

You may experience side effects from Naproxen, as with most anti-inflammatories.

These may include:

. Headaches

. Dizziness

. Skin rash/itchy skin

. Blurred vision

. Ringing in the ears

. Gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, gas, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach ache and heartburn

Taking Naproxen with or after food reduces the risk of some side effects.

Product Information:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.543.pdf

Availability

View your preferred pharmacy online or visit in person at your convenience to discuss further.