Diclofenac sodium is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. It comes in many different forms, including tablets, capsules, suppositories and rub-on gel (Voltarol), however, the only formulation available over-the-counter is the rub-on gel. This is the strongest anti-inflammatory rub-on formulation available over the counter. It can start to work within 20 - 30 minutes after applying, but full anti-inflammatory effects can take up to a couple of days once applied consistently. What is Voltarol? Voltarol is the brand for a range of anti-inflammatory products that are available over the counter as they are non-steroidal. Voltarol is available as a gel or plaster in different strengths. Voltarol gel 2 strengths are 1.16% and 2.32%. The higher-strength gel, Voltarol 12 Hour Joint Pain Relief, can be applied every 12 hours, whereas the lower-strength, Voltarol Back and Muscle Pain Relief, can be used 3 - 4 times a day.

With so many different over-the-counter and prescription medications out there, choosing the right one for you can seem overwhelming. When treating mild to moderate pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be very effective. Two of the most popular choices for NSAIDs are Diclofenac and Ibuprofen. They are commonly used to treat arthritis, joint pain, aching muscles and other instances of chronic pain. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about Diclofenac and Ibuprofen, helping you understand the key differences between the two, and which might be most suitable for your symptoms.

CBD oil also known as cannabis oil or cannabidiol oil is formed from extracting cannabidiol from the cannabis or hemp plant and putting this chemical into oil. It has recently become well known with many health companies advertising it and selling it legally as a health supplement. CBD oil comes under the umbrella of medical cannabis and has at times been controversial. All of the CBD oil available to buy is classed as a ‘novel food and so they undergo lower levels of scrutiny than medications. Because of this there remain questions over the quality of these "health supplements" with potential variations in quality. There is not a huge amount of research on CBD but it has been shown that in some people it can help in the treatment of severe epilepsy that doesn’t respond to standard treatments. It is also thought to have some anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce anxiety and chronic pain. A very small number of people are able to get CBD oil prescribed by their doctor which is on the NHS. These are only for some cases of severe sickness due to chemotherapy, severe epilepsy or severe muscle problems in a condition called multiple sclerosis and is only used as a last resort if other treatments aren't working or unable to be used. These medications are very different from the CBD oil you can buy over the counter at your local pharmacy. Potential side effects of taking CBD oil are sleepiness, dizziness and bowel symptoms. It can also affect your liver and may interact with medication including painkillers and anti-epileptic medication.

Cannabis is a Class B illegal drug in its organic plant form. The active ingredients in cannabis are identified as THC and CBD. THC is the active ingredient that gets you high and contributes to hallucinations, psychosis and mania. CBD is the active ingredient that calms you down and has anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving properties. It is Cannabis and THC that are illegal. CBD products are classified as food supplements and are, therefore, legal and available to the public. These products may contain traces of THC but must be below a specified limit to be permitted to sell. CBD products may also be licensed as medicines. CBD products licensed as medicines have undergone rigorous safety and efficacy testing to determine their use in treating certain medical conditions.

Sciatica is the sensation of pain, tingling, or burning running along the course of the sciatic nerve. This is a big nerve that emerges from the spine, in the lower part of the back, and extends across each buttock to the back of the thigh, the outside edge of the lower leg and to the foot. You have two sciatic nerves, one coming out from each side of the spine. Sciatic pain occurs due to compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This may be in response to a sporting or lifting injury to the lower back, prolonged sitting, or sometimes it's caused by a slipped disc. The specific location of the pain or altered sensation is dependent on where the nerve is irritated or compressed. Sciatica often resolves on its own, and pain can vary, but it's usually worst in the first few days and this can be managed with non-drug treatments and painkillers. The best painkillers for your sciatica will often depend on the severity and intensity of the pain, as well as any other health conditions you have and preferences for types of treatment.

If you're suffering with some form of arthritis, you are not alone. Millions of people are affected by this condition, and one of the most commonly affected areas is the knees. Knee pain can make walking from your couch to your kitchen feel like a tortuous journey. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that people get. This is where the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones breaks down causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Fortunately, there are some great creams and gels available to help with pain relief. In this article, we'll suggest the best creams to help treat arthritic knees.

Back pain is a common ailment that can sometimes require medication for effective relief. In this detailed article, we will explore different types of back pain and discuss the most suitable medicines for each case. It is crucial to understand that the strongest treatment is not always the best option, and milder approaches can be equally effective, such as stretching exercises.

Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory painkiller. It comes in many different forms, including tablets, capsules, syrup and rub-on gel. It can start to work within 20 - 30 minutes when taken by mouth, and can take up to a couple of days if using creams or rubs. It is important that it is taken with food as the medication alone can cause stomach irritation. It is suitable for ages 3 months onward, which means it is a great option for children.

We’ve all been there – the day after a heavy workout, a twisted ankle or an accidental bang or bruise to one of the many muscles or joints in our body. Joint issues can cause a great deal of pain! Here at Healthwords we have recommendations for a sensible pain-relief ladder to follow, along with some other top tips to go alongside pain relief to help soothe those painful symptoms.

Lower back pain is a very common symptom. Up to 80% of us will experience it at some time, with men and women being equally affected. It occurs most often between ages 30 and 50, due in part to the ageing process but also as a result of sedentary lifestyles with too little exercise– but fortunately in most cases it’s not serious and typically gets better on its own within a few weeks. Low back pain can often occur for no obvious reason – you can simply wake up with it, or it can happen during the day out of the blue – but it can also occur after lifting a heavy object or moving awkwardly. Other common reasons for back pain include slipped discs, muscle spasm and some conditions and diseases, such as arthritis, spinal stenosis and fibromyalgia. In the majority of cases, lower back pain is typically on one side of your back and can spread down into the cheeks of your bottom or into your thighs. It’s often eased or helped by lying down flat, and made worse by moving, sneezing or coughing. You can reduce your risk of making your low back pain worse or preventing it flaring up again, by maintaining a healthy weight, or losing weight if you’re overweight, giving up smoking if relevant, taking regular low-impact exercise and keeping your stress levels to a minimum. If your job or hobby involves regular lifting, make sure you learn how to do this properly to protect your back, as this can leave it prone to injury.

Nurofen for Children contains ibuprofen in a liquid suspension suitable for babies and children between 3 months and 9 years of age. Ibuprofen is a common over the counter anti-inflammatory that can help to reduce a fever (high temperature) when they are unwell or have a fever after a planned procedure such as an immunisation injection. Nurofen can also help relieve symptoms of cold or flu by helping relieve mild to moderate pain.

Heat and ice can be great tools for helping treat or improve a wide range of ailments from chronic pain to injury and inflammation. It can also help in certain medical conditions such as arthritis. But which one to use? The general rule is that ice helps with swelling and inflammation whereas heat helps increase healing and reduce muscle stiffness or spasms. Let’s get a bit more specific, and get you on the road to recovery.