Acute back or joint pain

Especially in the case of acute back or joint pain, those affected ask the pharmacist for advice and seek quick help to overcome their symptoms. PTA-Forum has compiled the most important vocabulary, questions and advice for these cases.

After hours and hours of travelling in a car, many people get problems with their back. Similarly, those having to spend a long time in a plane experience the same problem. If travelling on business, a whole day at conferences and an evening at a restaurant may follow. It is not surprising that muscles become tense and the joints start aching. To see a doctor because of these health complaints is often very costly and difficult in a foreign country. Many therefore first ask a pharmacist for some medication to alleviate the symptoms.

To decide which medication is the right one in such a case depends of course on the type of symptom. Before any medicine can be recommended PTA or the pharmacist need to ask the person concerned some questions and clarify if self-medication can be responsibly commended. For short-term pain relief, analgesics such as the non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs would be the suitable medication. Furthermore, ointments or liniment having a hyperaemic effect and heat plasters promote the local blood circulation and thus the healing process.

Important questions for the consultation

• Since when have you had these health complaints?
• How exactly do you experience these symptoms?
• Which of the symptoms affect you most?
• Apart from the pains, are there any other symptoms?
• Do you have these problems more often?
• Have you already taken any medication for these symptoms?
• Do you take any medication regularly?
• Have you already seen a doctor about these health complaints?

Additional information

• Please include regular movement in your everyday life.
• Do not overstrain yourself in doing this and do not put too much strain on your joints.
• Choose a type of sport that you enjoy. Swimming and walking, for example, are especially suited.
• In most cases, a heat plaster or a warm bath will relieve the pain.
• Should the symptoms not improve within two days, see a doctor, preferably an orthopaedic or internal specialist.