Occupational Therapy can help. Medications are not very effective for chronic pan and fibromyalgia but self-management can be extremely helpful. Improving sleep quality, pacing your activities, exercise starting with very low goals and building up gradually, Tai Chi in particular, and improving your...

Dr Bawa and Mr Rogers have made some good points there. When you mentioned ‘I’m always sore in the evening especially if I’ve been using my hands a lot’ may indicate OA. However I would urge you to seek advice from your GP. He or she will be able to make a diagnosis. Key sign to look out for: Does y...

If you have rheumatoid arthritis and still have joint stiffness in the morning lasting for more than an hour (especially with swelling), your arthritis may need additional medication to control any inflammation. You should speak to your rheumatologist in the first instance. If your arthritis is thou...

Hello, Unfortunately there are no magic pills that will help all pain for all people. People with chronic pain can have changes in the brain and spinal cord that make painkillers less effective, and sometimes make lifestyle choices that make pain management more challenging. I see that you are awake...

Tramadol and paracetamol are types of painkiller that work in different ways. After surgery tramadol can sometimes be a useful painkiller but it is not recommended for long term non-cancer pain.There is no evidence that drugs containing both paracetamol and tramadol are more effective or safer than ...

If your dad definitely has inflammatory arthritis, he will have been offered other medicines called disease modifying drugs (DMARDS) to help control his arthritis in the long term and prevent joint damage and disability. This will enable the dose of the steroids to be reduced as these are effective ...

Hi, As Matthew and Tracy have suggested, exercise might prove to be key in helping you protect current function or prevent deterioration. Gentle exercise, mobility and stretching might help you manage your symptoms. Most Osteopaths and Physiotherapists will be able to advise you in this. It might be...

Hi Dee, Gentle exercise, mobility and stretching might help you manage your symptoms. Most Osteopaths and Physiotherapists will be able to advise you in this. It might be worth asking your GP to refer you. Otherwise we offer a network of registered practitioners to members who are experienced in hel...

Hi Edward, It would be a good idea to initially seek a medical opinion on the source of your back pain. If your Dr feels it appropriate, an assessment with a manual therapist such as an Osteopath or Physiotherapist could help clarify why you are in pain. They will also be able to offer you appropria...

Matthew is spot on in his advice about increasing daily activity or exercise levels. It is important to find ways to increase levels in a way that you enjoy and that suits your current fitness levels. Keeping a note how you feel during or after exercise will help you know when to exercise and when t...