General Health

Many people experience back pain throughout their lives, and for some, there is no apparent cause or reason to be concerned. For some people, it can be due to injury, the body’s mechanics or even lifestyle factors. 

By speaking with a registered pharmacist, you can discuss your symptoms and receive advice on managing back pain or whether further medical assessment is needed.

Non-specific back pain

Non-specific back pain is common in the UK. This pain cannot be traced to a single issue and is often caused by a combination of factors. 

• Muscle strain or ligament strain
• Poor posture or staying in one position too long
• Sudden increase in activity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Stress or poor sleep
• Being overweight
• Deconditioning (weak core/back muscles)

Mechanical causes of back pain

• Slipped (Herniated) Disc: Can cause lower back pain
• Sciatica: Pain radiating from the lower back down the leg
• Facet Joint Pain: Pain from small joints in the spine
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal

Inflammatory conditions 

Ankylosing Spondylitis: Stiffness and pain, especially in the morning

Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of spinal joints

Lifestyle & psychosocial factors: These don’t “cause” damage but strongly influence pain levels. They can include: 

• Stress, anxiety, low mood
• Poor sleep
• Work‑related strain
• Low physical activity
• Smoking (affects blood flow to spinal tissues)

More serious causes 

These are uncommon but require urgent medical attention.

• Fracture: Usually after trauma or in people with osteoporosis
• Infection: Fever, feeling unwell, severe pain
• Cancer: Very rare. Unexplained weight loss, night pain, history of cancer
• Cauda Equina Syndrome (Emergency): Numbness around genitals/buttocks & loss of bladder or bowel control

Many people may prefer to manage their symptoms at home, but it’s important to seek professional support if you notice your symptoms worsening or if you are struggling to carry out everyday tasks. 

• Remain active and try to continue with daily activities
• Take anti-inflammatory medications, including ibuprofen*, if you can
• Use an ice pack to help reduce swelling 
• Use a heat pack to reduce tension and relax muscles
• Do some gentle exercises and stretches to ease back pain 

When it comes to reducing back pain, it’s really important to keep moving and not to stay seated or lying down in the same position for prolonged periods. 

*Pain relief medicines such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen may help some people. Always follow the instructions on the label and speak to a pharmacist if you are unsure whether these medicines are suitable for you.

Seek routine support from a pharmacist or GP if your back pain:

• Has not improved after a few weeks of home treatment
• Is stopping you from doing day‑to‑day activities
• Is severe or getting worse over time
• Is making you feel worried, or you are struggling to cope

Seek more urgent advice if you experience the following symptoms: 

• High temperature
• Unexplained weight loss
• A lump or swelling in your back
• Pain that does not improve with rest or is worse at night
• Pain made worse by sneezing, coughing or going to the toilet
• Back pain in the upper spine that is severe, persistent, or associated with other symptoms such as chest pain or fever

Seek emergency support if you have back pain and experience the following symptoms: 

• Pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness in both legs
• Numbness or tingling around the genitals or buttocks
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Back pain after a serious accident (e.g., car crash)
• Chest pain alongside back pain

These symptoms require immediate emergency assessment.

• Advice and over-the-counter pain relief from a pharmacist
• Exercise programmes or physiotherapy
• Manual therapy 
• CBT 

At Medicine Marketplace, we can support you with advice and treatment options for back pain. During an online consultation, our pharmacists can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment or advise you whether to see a GP or another healthcare professional.

Book a free consultation today.

• Discomfort around the anus 
• Bright red blood after pooing 
• Itchiness around the anus 
• A feeling of incomplete emptying after opening your bowels
• Mucus in your underwear or when you wipe 
• Pain around the anus 
• Lumps around the anus

A range of factors can cause haemorrhoids, and they may even come and go without you really noticing too much. Some common causes can include the following. 

• Straining when passing stools
• Constipation or hard stools
• Pregnancy
• Being overweight
• Long periods of sitting
• Low‑fibre diet
• Age‑related weakening of supporting tissues

The pharmacists at Medicine Marketplace provide professional, supportive service, helping you find a suitable solution to manage any discomfort. 

A pharmacist can recommend treatments, such as creams, ointments, or suppositories, to help ease pain, itching, and discomfort. We may also suggest treatments to relieve constipation or self-care measures, such as warm baths, to help relieve discomfort.

Making positive lifestyle changes can help you reduce the risk of developing haemorrhoids. 

• Increase fibre: Eating more fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses helps soften stools and reduce straining.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports healthy bowel movements.
• Avoid straining: Take your time in the bathroom and avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet.
• Keep active: Regular movement helps prevent constipation.
• Good toilet habits: Respond to the urge to open your bowels rather than delaying.

In the first instance, it’s a good idea to speak to a registered pharmacist about your symptoms, as they may be able to help you with any discomfort until the piles pass. 

You should speak to a GP or healthcare professional if:

• Symptoms persist for more than a few weeks
• You experience severe pain or bleeding
• You are over 50 and notice bleeding from your bottom for the first time
• Bleeding occurs frequently, or you are unsure of the cause
• There is a change in bowel habits
• You have symptoms that do not improve with pharmacy treatment

Seek urgent medical attention if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, or symptoms that worsen suddenly.

Haemorrhoids can often be treated effectively through self-care and pharmacy support. If you are struggling with piles, you can book a free online consultation with our registered pharmacists. 

Having your appointment online means you can benefit from discreet service and expert care without even leaving your home. Book a consultation today for confidential support.

Hayfever symptoms can vary significantly and may include some of the following. 

• Sneezing
• Runny or blocked nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy throat, mouth, nose or ears
• Cough caused by post‑nasal drip
• Fatigue due to disrupted sleep

Symptoms often worsen during high‑pollen periods and may be triggered by grass, tree or weed pollen. Some people may be more allergic to one type of pollen, causing their symptoms to worsen.

Hay fever occurs when the immune system overreacts to pollen, treating it as a harmful substance. This reaction causes the release of histamine and other chemicals, which leads to inflammation and typical allergy symptoms.

Common pollen triggers include:

• Grass pollen (most common in the UK – May – July)
• Tree pollen (March – May)
• Weed pollen (June – September)

Pollen levels vary throughout the year, with different plants releasing pollen at different times.

As we mentioned previously, there is no cure for hay fever, but there are steps you can take to reduce the effects it has on your body. 

Monitor pollen counts

There are many online tools that can be used to monitor pollen levels in your area. It can be helpful to understand these so that you can make any necessary adjustments to your daily routine. 

Reduce exposure to pollen 

While it can be tricky to reduce exposure fully, some small steps can help reduce pollen. 

• Keep windows closed during high‑pollen periods
• Shower and change clothes after being outdoors
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to reduce eye irritation
• Avoid drying clothes outside when pollen counts are high

Maintain a clean environment

Regular cleaning and vacuuming (preferably with a HEPA-filter vacuum) can help reduce indoor pollen and other allergens.

Medicine Marketplace pharmacists can offer advice on managing hay fever and recommend suitable treatments where appropriate. Possible treatments include:

• Antihistamine tablets or liquids
• Nasal sprays
• Eye drops
• Saline rinses

These treatments can help relieve symptoms, but their effectiveness varies between individuals. Our registered pharmacists can guide you on suitable options based on your symptoms and medical history.

• Symptoms are severe or persistent
• Over‑the‑counter treatments do not provide relief
• You experience symptoms outside of typical pollen seasons
• You have asthma and notice worsening breathing symptoms

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe breathing difficulties, chest tightness or wheezing, particularly if you have asthma.

Hay fever can be managed effectively with pharmacy-led treatment. Book a free, online consultation with our registered pharmacists today.

• A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
• An unpleasant sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• A feeling of fluid coming back up into the throat
• Bloating or belching
• Persistent cough or hoarse voice (in some cases)

Many people notice that their symptoms become worse after lying down or bending over.

Acid reflux occurs when the ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus relaxes or weakens, allowing stomach acid to travel up the oesophagus.

Common contributing factors include:

• Large or heavy meals
• Eating close to bedtime
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Certain foods and drinks (e.g., spicy foods, citrus, caffeine, alcohol)
• Stress

Many people find that simple lifestyle adjustments help reduce symptoms:

• Adjust eating habits: Eat smaller, more frequent meals, avoid lying down within 2 to 3 hours of eating and reduce trigger foods if you notice a pattern.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing weight, if appropriate, can reduce pressure on the stomach.
• Stop smoking: Smoking can weaken the lower oesophageal sphincter.
• Raise the head of the bed: Using extra pillows or raising the bed head can help reduce nighttime symptoms.

Our pharmacy team can provide advice on managing symptoms and, if appropriate, help you choose suitable over-the-counter treatments. Some treatments may include the following.

• Antacids
• Alginates
• Acid‑reducing medicines

These treatments can help relieve symptoms, but individual responses vary. Our pharmacists can guide you on suitable options based on your symptoms and medical history.

These medicines are usually intended for short-term relief. If symptoms persist, further medical advice may be needed.

You should speak to a GP or healthcare professional if:

• Symptoms occur frequently or persist for more than a few weeks
• Over‑the‑counter treatments do not provide relief
• You have difficulty swallowing
• You experience persistent vomiting
• You notice unintentional weight loss
• Symptoms are severe or worsening
• Symptoms in people over 55 with a new onset of reflux
• You have pain when swallowing
• You have persistent indigestion

Seek urgent medical attention if you vomit blood, have black or tarry stools, or experience severe chest pain.

If you want advice on heartburn and acid reflux, you can book a free consultation with our registered pharmacist today. Select an appointment time that works for you. We provide consultations seven days a week from 9 am until 10 pm.