Are You Part of the 10% of Brits Living with 24/7 Pain?

Pain,^[1]  whether it’s a headache, a sore knee or even an aching back, is something that’s bothering millions of Brits. In fact, new evidence has found that while 98% of Brits deal with mild to moderate pain at least once a month, 10% admit to being in constant pain and 16% say they are in pain most of the time.  That’s according to new real-world research^[2] commissioned by Combogesic® – a new pain relief medicine with a unique, combined formulation of paracetamol (500mg) and ibuprofen (150mg) at a synergistic 3.3:1 ratio of paracetamol and ibuprofen – which is set to help treat pain challenges.

A nation in pain

“Pain can be exhausting, relentless and frustrating. It’s like a constant hum in the background of daily life that turns even the simplest tasks into uphill battles,” says GP Dr Nisa Aslam adviser to Combogesic.

The impact of mild to moderate pain is also pretty scary. Dr Nisa Aslam explains: “While 46% of Brits say their pain caused sleepless nights, 43% say it makes them stressed and anxious, while 22% admit to feeling tearful and 19% are just desperate for relief.”

Pain has also made life so much difficult for many.

• For 37% of people, just getting out of bed is more challenging
• 36% say they struggle with housework
• 36% struggle to go to work
• 28% find walking uncomfortable.

Playing with the kids, gardening and washing oneself – are all daily essentials – and made so much harder when pain kicks in.

According to the new Combogesic research, Brits are dealing with a multitude of different pain areas:

• Over half of Brits (51%) noted a headache
• 38% have experienced lower back pain
• 30% feel pain in their legs
• 23% have had neck pain
• Women have their own set of pain challenges with 11% have been burdened by uterus-related pain, such as period cramps.

Tackling pain

Pain is hard to ignore and it’s clear from the Combogesic research that it’s extremely disruptive. So, it’s only natural to want to deal with pain. Over half (52%) of Brits say they rest to relieve pain and 33% take a warm bath.

But oral painkillers are the nation’s main way of dealing with pain as 65% of Brits admit to taking them and 22% take painkillers two to three times a day, with half (50%) of Brits reaching for paracetamol as a go to. Codeine, a type of opioid, is also commonly used by Brits. Nearly a quarter (23%) use paracetamol and codeine.

However, painkillers aren’t without their problems. A high 22% of Brits won’t take certain painkillers because they upset their stomach, the same number are concerned about side effects and 21% are worried about becoming dependent on them.

Dr Nisa Aslam explains: “As well as these potential problems, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as over-the-counter or on prescription medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen come with their own challenges. The NHS advises that ibuprofen should be taken at the lowest possible dose to reduce the risk of stomach irritation^[3] and adults should take it for no more than 10 days (three days for under-18s).^[4] While ibuprofen helps deal with inflammation, paracetamol works by reducing pain pathways in the brain without any of the anti-inflammatory side effects of NSAIDs. But paracetamol can potentially harm the liver in high doses.”

Pharmacist and advisor to Combogesic, Noel Wicks adds: “There really is a gap in the options we have available for mild to moderate pain. Opioids, a class of natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic drugs including both prescription medications such as morphine and methadone, can lead to side effects such as nausea, headaches, depression and dizziness. High doses, over long periods of time, can even lead to addiction, overdose and death.”

“Worryingly, eight out of 10 healthcare professionals believe the UK is in the grip of an opioid epidemic.^[5] So, tackling the nation’s pain, safely, is of the utmost importance.”

Self-care pain tackling essentials

#1. Keep moving

You might think resting is the best way to overcome pain. But it could in fact, make it worse.

Dr Nisa Aslam says: “Research has found that movement and exercise can actually reduce pain perception^[8] so try gentle exercise such as walking and swimming and be sure to warm up and cool down.”

Stretching is also important and just five to 10 minutes each day can help to reduce muscular pain.

Noel Wicks adds: “Tight muscles can limit movement, and because muscles are connected to bones and joints via tendons, this also means that a joint’s range of motion is compromised. Plus, a tight muscle can also mean another muscle has to overcompensate, leading to more fatigue and pain. So, it’s wise to make stretching a part of your day.”

Dr Nisa Aslam warns: “If movement does cause and sharp, stabbing or shooting pain, especially after an injury, please do seek help from a GP or physio.”

#2. Posture perfect

How are you sitting right now? If you’re slouched in a chair, or looking down at your phone, perhaps leaning on one leg, then you need to check in on your posture.

Dr Nisa Aslam says: “It’s not too surprising that so many Brits are suffering from neck and back pain; in today’s modern world, we spend a lot of time looking at screens, hunched over laptops and sitting in the same position for hours at a time. This can cause tension and tightness in muscles, leading to pain.”

If you’re standing, aim to keep weight balanced between both legs, roll your shoulders back and keep your back upright, with a forward gaze. If you’re sitting, make sure both feet are flat on the floor, your back is upright and, if you’re at a desk, keep your forearms resting on the desk with your screen at eye level.

#3. Try Combogesic: the unique one-of-a-kind medicine to help beat pain

Helping to tackle the nation’s mild to moderate pain is Combogesic which contains a unique, combined formulation of paracetamol (500mg) and ibuprofen (150mg) at a synergistic 3.3:1 ratio of paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Dr Nisa Aslam says: “Combogesic’s 3.3:1 ratio of 500mg of paracetamol to 150mg of ibuprofen has been confirmed by clinical trials to be a gold standard synergistic treatment approach. It balances maximum amplification of pain relief from both compounds with the lower dose of ibuprofen to reduce risks of gastric side effects, a problem that many Brits have complained about. As the ratio changes, the synergistic effect of paracetamol becomes less apparent.”

Noel Wicks adds: “Combogesic, which is available over the counter, requires just one to two tablets every six hours (up to a maximum of six tablets daily) whereas alternating doses of paracetamol (2x500mg) and ibuprofen (2x200mg) amounts to over double this number of tablets. This is not only very confusing for some but it could lead to overdosing too.

“Combogesic has also been shown to be 80% more effective than paracetamol alone and 30% more effective than ibuprofen alone^[6]. And, in a study on patients recovering from dental surgery, Combogesic provided meaningful pain relief 18 minutes faster than ibuprofen alone.”^[7]

#4. Watch your diet

Did you know, you diet can have an impact on pain?  Dr Nisa Aslam explains: “Although there’s still research to be done, high intake of Ultra Processed Foods^[9] (UPF) has been linked to inflammation in the body^[10] which has been linked to chronic pain.^[11]”

Unsure what’s classed as a UPF?  “Pastries, biscuits, processed meats and crisps are just a few examples. If it comes in a packet and has a long list of ingredients, it’s likely going to be a UPF,” says Noel Wicks. Cut back on UPF and switch processed foods for proteins such as chicken, beef, fish and eggs; whole grains such as brown rice, brown pasta and quinoa; fruits; and vegetables. This can help to lower these rates of inflammation.

Last word

Dr Nisa Aslam in summary note: “We know the burden that pain is having on the nation: the stats prove it. So, tackling pain is essential, so Brits can keep on living comfortably. There are several self-care steps we can take and some, such as stretching, limiting UPF intakes and perfecting posture, should be daily non-negotiables.

“Combogesic  is also a great go-to, and is the only combination analgesic that provides paracetamol and ibuprofen at a synergistic 3.3:1 ratio. Its efficacy has been proven and there’s no doubt that this is a safe, effective way to help tackle pain.”

FACT: Combogesic provides fast dual-action pain relief via a synergistic 3.3:1 ratio of paracetamol to ibuprofen. This unique and patented combination of two well-characterised analgesics provides opioid-free relief for pain which is not relieved by paracetamol or ibuprofen individually.  It addresses a wide range of pain problems including headaches, migraines, muscular pain, backache, period pain, toothache, fever, aches and pain from colds and flu, sore throat and fever. 

Each Combogesic tablet contains 500mg of paracetamol which acts primarily on pain pathways in the brain and 150mg of ibuprofen which targets pain chemicals throughout the body while also reducing inflammation. It was developed with this specific formulation approach following a host of studies and trials and as a result includes the lowest possible dose of ibuprofen, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, but providing a gold standard pain relief treatment approach.  One to two tablets can be taken every six hours, up to a maximum of six tablets in 24 hours. Always read the label.

For more information see: https://combogesic.co.uk/