Doctor’s alert as ‘desperate’ people take medication not prescribed to them

New research has been published

Summer might be filled with fun, but seasonal aches and pains are leaving Brits struggling, with 51% suffering from headaches, 38% with lower back pain and 30% with leg pain.

This is leaving some unable to work, walk or even get out of bed. The research by Combogesic – an over-the-counter opioid-free pain relief – has also found that 23% are “so desperate” that they have taken prescription painkillers prescribed for someone else.

“Summer brings with it a number of pain traps; we might hurt our shoulders and back from lugging suitcases, experience aching legs from hikes, sore elbows from tennis, aching hips from long car journeys, back pain from gardening and headaches from the heat,” said GP Dr Nisa Aslam.

Five tips to avoid the biggest summer pain culprits

Stretch every day: Just five to 10 minutes could be the difference between feeling achy and stiff and feeling mobile. “Focus on your full body; try some cat-cows, arching and rounding your back in an all-fours position. Then, push hips back to your heels and walk your hands as far forward as you can,” suggested Dr Nisa Aslam.

“Sit on the floor and reach down your straight legs too. This stretches your back and hamstrings.”

Keep hydrated: Dehydration can cause headaches, so it’s wise to sip on water throughout the day. “On hot days, reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake, as this can dehydrate you further,” advised Dr Aslam.

Use a backpack: Shoulder pain from heavy bags is common. “Use backpacks when possible or evenly distribute weight between both shoulders. Avoid carrying really heavy bags on one side of your body for long periods and if you do, take regular stretch breaks,” said Dr Aslam.

Watch your form gardening: If you’re gardening, your body will be bending and twisting, placing strain on the muscles supporting the spine. Try breaking tasks into shorter bursts and rather than bending, squat instead to keep a flat back.

Avoid long periods of sitting: On a long-haul flight or a big day spent at your desk, it’s easy to forget to move. But, long periods sitting can cause tight hips, stiff neck and a strained upper back.

“Get up regularly, for a quick walk or stretch. Fidget and wriggle too as it will stop so much stiffness from developing,” said Dr Aslam. Research has found that movement and exercise can actually reduce pain perception, so you may feel less pain.

While prevention is important, aches and pains can still happen and if they do, go for an over-the-counter opioid free pain relief option for mild to moderate pain.