Self-care is about understanding how you can look after yourself, when a pharmacist can help, and when to get advice from your GP or another health professional. If you have a long-term condition, self-care is about understanding that condition and how to live with it.  

Self-care is recommended when you have a minor condition which doesn’t normally need medical care (from a doctor or nurse) or any treatment in order to get better.

Self-care often involves taking remedies or pills, or simply staying at home and resting until your illness goes away of its own accord. For advice on what medicines to buy, visit your local pharmacy.

No two people will experience pain in the same way.

Pain can be an intermittent pain that doesn’t interfere with your daily activities.

Or pain can be persistent or a worsening progressive pain that interferes significantly with your daily living activities.

What can you do yourself to get better – now and in the future?

There are self-care leaflets to help you manage your back pain, headache or a strain or sprain.

• Back Pain
• Headache
• Sprains and strains

 When should I seek medical help?

If your symptoms don’t start to improve within three days, or if your pain recurs regularly for more than six weeks, seek immediate medical advice or contact your GP surgery.

Refer to the ‘when should I seek medical’ help section on the self-care leaflets for more information.

The following symptoms may suggest an emergency:

• Unusual sensations You feel numb or notice ‘pins and needles’ in the area around your bottom (the ‘saddle area’), your genitals, or both of your legs.
• Urine problems You can’t keep your urine in.
• Bowel problems You lose your bowel control.

What treatments can I buy to help my pain?

Speak to a local pharmacist to get advice on the best treatment for you and always read the patient information leaflet that is included with the medicine.

Where can I find more information?

NHS Website 

Choose Well

Use the Right Service

Remember that your pharmacist can also help you with assessing your symptoms.