Pain

General Health

Restore the Joy of movement with trusted treatments from SwiftMedi

From throbbing toothache to aching muscles, pain can stop you in your tracks.

  • Treatments for Back, Muscle, Dental, Period pain and much more
  • Expert-prescribed medicines for Fast, Effective Relief
  • Get back to living life without disruption

Begin your consultation

About Pain

Overview


Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek treatment — whether it’s muscle aches, back pain, dental pain, or period pain. While often temporary, pain can affect daily life, sleep, and mood. With the right treatment, most types of pain can be managed effectively, allowing you to feel comfortable and carry on with your normal activities.

At SwiftMedi, we provide safe and effective prescription pain relief after review by a UK-registered prescriber. Treatments are tailored to the type and severity of your pain, and delivered discreetly to your door.


Symptoms of Pain


Pain can vary depending on the cause, but common signs include:

  • Muscle pain: soreness, stiffness, or cramping after injury, strain, or overuse
  • Back pain: dull ache, sharp spasm, or stiffness, often worse with movement or posture
  • Dental pain: throbbing or sharp toothache, often triggered by chewing or hot/cold foods
  • Period pain: cramping, lower backache, and pelvic discomfort during menstruation



Diagnosis


Most pain is straightforward to diagnose based on symptoms and medical history. Your prescriber will ask about:

  • The location, severity, and duration of your pain
  • Any triggers, such as injury, illness, or menstruation
  • Other symptoms (e.g. swelling, fever, numbness)

If pain is severe, persistent, or associated with unusual symptoms, further medical assessment may be recommended.



Treatments for Pain


Treatment depends on the type of pain and its severity. Options include:

Prescription painkillers:

  • NSAIDs (e.g. naproxen, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid) — reduce pain and inflammation, commonly used for muscle, back, dental, and period pain.
  • Cox-2 inhibitors (e.g. celecoxib, etoricoxib) — anti-inflammatory painkillers for patients who may not tolerate traditional NSAIDs.
  • Stronger options may be considered if pain does not respond to standard medicines.


Self-care strategies:

  • Heat or cold packs to reduce muscle or period pain
  • Gentle stretching or physiotherapy for back and muscle pain
  • Good posture and ergonomic support for back discomfort
  • Dental hygiene and check-ups for tooth pain



Prevention & Self-Care

  • Stay active with gentle movement to avoid stiffness
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on joints and back
  • Use heat therapy for muscle or menstrual cramps
  • Limit stress, as it can worsen pain perception
  • Good dental care — brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups



Misconceptions about Pain


“Painkillers always mask the problem.” In fact, they can reduce inflammation and allow healing.


“Only strong painkillers work.” Many mild–moderate pain conditions respond well to NSAIDs.


“Back pain always means something serious.” Most cases are due to strain or posture, not disease.

Frequently asked questions

  • What causes common types of pain?

    Pain can come from inflamed tissues, muscle strain, nerve irritation or illness. Identifying the cause helps choose the right treatment. Many short-term pains improve with rest, simple medicines and gentle activity, while others need targeted anti-inflammatory support such as naproxen.

  • How do I know if my pain is something serious?

    Pain may be serious if it is severe, sudden, linked to injury, associated with chest pain, weakness, fever or difficulty moving. Ongoing pain lasting weeks also needs assessment. If usual medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen do not help, it’s best to get medical advice early.

  • What treatments actually help with everyday pain?

    Treatment depends on the cause but often includes rest, heat or cold packs, gentle movement and medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Anti-inflammatory options like naproxen may help when swelling or muscle strain is involved.

  • How quickly do painkillers start working?

    Most painkillers begin working within 30-60 minutes. Anti-inflammatory medicines may take longer to reach full effect, especially for muscle or joint pain. If pain continues despite suitable doses or becomes worse, switching to an alternative such as naproxen may help.

  • Can I get pain relief online in the UK?

    Yes. Some medicines such as naproxen can be supplied safely online after a clinical assessment. You’ll answer questions about your symptoms, medical history and other medicines before treatment is approved.

  • Is naproxen stronger than ibuprofen?

    Naproxen often provides longer-lasting relief than ibuprofen, which makes it useful for conditions like back pain or period pain. It’s usually taken twice daily, while ibuprofen often requires more frequent dosing. A clinician can advise which is safer for you.

  • When should I avoid painkillers?

    Avoid anti-inflammatory medicines if you have stomach ulcers, kidney disease, heart issues, certain medications or pregnancy unless advised otherwise. Paracetamol may be safer in some of these cases. If unsure, speak to a clinician.

  • Can long-term pain be treated with tablets alone?

    Long-term pain often needs a mix of approaches such as physiotherapy, exercise, heat therapy and lifestyle changes. Medicines can help but usually aren’t enough on their own. Some people benefit from anti-inflammatory support like naproxen during flare-ups.

  • What if pain keeps coming back?

    Recurrent pain may reflect inflammation, posture issues, muscle imbalance or an untreated condition. Keeping a diary of triggers helps identify patterns. If over-the-counter options don’t help, you may need targeted treatment such as naproxen.

  • When should I speak to a clinician about pain?

    Seek help if pain is severe, long lasting, linked to injury, spreading, or affecting daily life. Pain with chest symptoms, fever or numbness always needs urgent review. If common treatments fail, a clinician can recommend alternatives.

  • Why does pain feel worse at night?

    Pain can feel stronger at night because there are fewer distractions and joints may stiffen after resting. Hormone levels also change overnight, which can heighten sensitivity. If nighttime pain keeps waking you, targeted relief such as naproxen may help before bed.

  • Can stress or anxiety make pain feel stronger?

    Yes. Stress increases muscle tension and makes nerves more sensitive, which can amplify pain. Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and consistent treatment can help reduce symptoms. A clinician can guide whether an anti-inflammatory option is appropriate.

  • Do heat or cold packs really help?

    Yes. Heat relaxes tight muscles and improves blood flow, while cold reduces swelling and numbs soreness. Many people use both depending on the type of pain. Pairing this with medicines such as ibuprofen can offer stronger relief.

  • Can I take naproxen and paracetamol together safely?

    Yes. Naproxen and paracetamol work in different ways and can be taken together if taken correctly. This combination is often used for short-term pain flares. Avoid taking naproxen with other anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen.

  • What’s the difference between inflammatory pain and nerve pain?

    Inflammatory pain often feels swollen, warm or stiff and responds well to anti-inflammatory medicines like naproxen. Nerve pain may feel sharp, burning or tingling and often needs different treatment. Understanding the type helps guide the best option.

  • Can I exercise if I’m in pain?

    Light movement is usually helpful as it keeps joints flexible and improves blood flow. Avoid activities that increase pain sharply. Many people find walking or stretching improves symptoms alongside medicines such as ibuprofen.

  • Are topical treatments like gels actually effective?

    Yes. Anti-inflammatory gels can help reduce pain in muscles and joints, especially when swelling is mild. They’re useful for people who cannot take tablets. Combining a gel with gentle movement provides better overall relief.

  • How can I manage period pain more effectively?

    Period pain often improves with heat, light exercise and anti-inflammatory medicines. Naproxen is commonly used for menstrual pain as it targets prostaglandins, which drive cramping.

  • Why do some pains move from one area to another?

    Moving pain can come from muscle imbalance, nerve irritation or inflammation that spreads across connected tissues. Tracking when and where the pain shifts helps identify triggers. A clinician may suggest targeted medicines or physiotherapy.

  • Can poor sleep make pain harder to control?

    Yes. Lack of sleep increases inflammation and lowers pain tolerance, making everyday discomfort feel stronger. Improving sleep habits and using consistent pain relief can help break the cycle.