Common Pain Conditions

Back Pain

Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is very common. It usually improves within a few weeks but can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. Back pain often improves on its own within a few weeks but there are things you can do to help speed up your recovery, visit the NHS website for more information.

Watch this short video to help you understand more about back pain, and what you can do about it. Find out about the ‘GetUbetter’ platform which provides 24/7 self-management support for people with all common musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including: hip pain, back pain, leg pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and ankle pain.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. In the UK, around 10 million people have arthritis. It affects people of all ages, including children. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of arthritis. Further information on the types can be found here; Arthritis – NHS (www.nhs.uk).

Versus Arthritis provides help and support for people in the UK with arthritis, plus their families and friends. They have a free helpline you can call for further information and support on 0800 5200 520, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. The helpline is closed from 12pm on the last Friday of every month for training. Versus Arthritis offers a free 12 week programme of 30-minute movement sessions presented by fitness expert Leon Wormley.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. If you have fibromyalgia, support groups can provide an important network for talking to others living with the condition.

Fibromyalgia Action UK is a charity that offers information and support to people with fibromyalgia. If you have any questions about fibromyalgia, call the charity’s helpline on 0300 999 3333. Fibromyalgia Action UK also has a number of regional co-ordinators who can put you in touch with a support group near you.

Another organisation you may find useful is UK Fibromyalgia. 

Migraine

A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on 1 side of the head. Many people also have symptoms such as feeling sick, being sick and increased sensitivity to light or sound. Migraine is a common health condition, affecting around 1 in every 5 women and around 1 in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood.

Find out about the causes of migranes, when to seek medical advice, prevention and treatment of migraines on the NHS website.

Joint Pain

Joint pain is common, especially as you get older. There are things you can do to ease the pain but get medical help if it’s very painful or it does not get better.

There are many possible causes of joint pain. It might be caused by an injury or a longer-lasting problem such as arthritis. Your symptoms might give you an idea what could be causing the pain. But do not self-diagnose, see a GP if you’re worried.

Find out more about common causes of joint pain, how you can help ease joint pain and when you should get medical help on the NHS website.

Find out about the ‘GetUbetter’ platform which provides 24/7 self-management support for people with all common musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including: hip pain, back pain, leg pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and ankle pain.

Neck Pain

Neck pain is common and most neck pain only lasts a few weeks. There are things you can do yourself to ease it, but see a GP if it does not go away. The best approach is to get your neck moving and start to gradually strengthen the muscles. Neck flexibility exercises can help to ease neck pain and strengthen muscles.

Find out about the ‘GetUbetter’ platform which provides 24/7 self-management support for people with all common musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including: hip pain, back pain, leg pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and ankle pain.

Neuropathic Pain (nerve pain)

Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain associated with injury to nerves or the nervous system, see our ‘about pain’ page for more information on the different types of pain, including neuropathic pain.

Peripheral neuropathy develops when nerves in the body’s extremities, such as the hands, feet and arms, are damaged. The symptoms depend on which nerves are affected.

In the UK it’s estimated almost 1 in 10 people aged 55 or over are affected by peripheral neuropathy. Find out more about peripheral neuropathy, its causes and symptoms, and when to see a GP.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side. It can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15. Scoliosis can improve with treatment, but it is not usually a sign of anything serious and treatment is not always needed if it’s mild.

Scoliosis Association UK is the only UK wide organisation providing support for people affected by scoliosis and funding research into scoliosis and other spinal conditions in the UK.

Whilst we have provided some information for common pain conditions, pain can be associated with many conditions. If you require information on a condition not covered here, you may find this page useful to help you find out more about a condition; Health A to Z – NHS (www.nhs.uk)