A Consumer Health Information Centre (CHIC) survey (1) showed that 16-24 years olds were the most likely to experience feelings of anger and aggression as a result of pain, but they are the least likely to take anything to relieve the pain.

We all experience pain to some degree, with the headache, the most common pain, being experienced by 96% of the population at some time in their lives. (2) Other common pains include backache, muscular pain and aches and pains caused by the common cold.

Pain does not go away if it is ignored, in fact the sensation of pain will increase (see What is pain - vicious circle) although the cause of the pain may not change. Health care professionals recommend pain relief to limit the amount of pain experienced and to allow the body to concentrate on getting better.

"Pain is something we all experience. It is miserable - we feel drained, tired, lose our concentration and can lose control of our emotions. If the cause is known, then taking something to relieve the pain, in the knowledge that it will help you get through the tasks in hand, makes sense" explains Dr Catti Moss of the Consumer Health Information Centre (CHIC). "What's more, many of the pain relievers available may help relieve some of the causes by reducing fever or swelling".

Dr Patricia Wilkie, patient's representative on the CHIC advisory panel says, "We don't need a prescription. We can help ourselves to relieve pain such as muscle ache, period pain, headache, toothache and backache by taking a painkiller. We should quickly begin to feel more comfortable, less tense and grumpy and better able to carry on with ordinary living."

When the survey on pain, conducted by Gallup, explored people's response to pain and their tendencies to treat, it was clear that pain has a major impact on people's lives and a large proportion of people are not managing pain effectively. Tiredness, lack of concentration and feelings of emotion were common responses. In summary:

• The younger age group were least likely to treat and most likely to be angry and aggressive
• Women and men were just as likely to become angry, but women were more likely to become emotional and upset
• One in ten people do not take anything to relieve pain, yet products available are effective and safe and can help prevent a person losing their concentration and becoming tired.

The Consumer Health Information Centre (CHIC) aims to help educate people as to the causes of pain and options for pain relief. A leaflet has been prepared and is available free of charge from 0207 404 7842 or can be viewed on this website, click here.


For further information please contact:

Karen Kelshaw
Consumer Health Information Centre
tel: 020 7421 9314
fax: 020 7421 9317
email: karen.kelshaw@pagb.co.uk

Pam Prentice
Doctor Patient Partnership
tel: 020 7383 6144
out of office hours: 0780 3399826
email: pprentice@bma.org.uk

Marianne Smith
Doctor Patient Partnership
tel 020 7383 6828
fax: 020 7383 6966
email: msmith@bma.org.u