A BBC doctor has given an alternative to anyone taking painkillers like ibuprofen, paracetamol and co-codamol. Appearing on BBC Morning Live Dr Punam Krishan explained that people need to consider other methods besides purely taking pills.

She said that it was part of wider pain management and that people could also find alternative means to help. She said “I feel like we have to talk about pain management because I think people think is it just one or the other. Pain is complex. Some people might have acute pain issues, and they’re only on medication for a short period of time.

“Some people might have chronic pain issues in which case they might require more support and it’s never just one thing.” She explained there were solid, scientifically proven things people can do: “So, alongside painkillers, there are lots of evidence-based things that we can do.

“So if it’s a minor thing, ice or heattherapy can be very effective. Keeping active is really, really important, and I know sometimes it can be easier said than done, but stretching, swimming, and gentle walking can actually be a very effective way of managing pain. If you’ve got chronic pain issues, then you can have a bit more structured support so we can refer you for graduated exercise with physiotherapists.”

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Equipment is also available on the NHS: “There are TENS machines which can help as well. So CBT [Cognitive Behavioural Therapy] therapies can help, as well as complementary therapies, acupuncture, and herbal treatments. So, it’s never just one thing, combination support, but always speak to your doctor if you’re finding that actually what you’re doing at the minute isn’t working for you.”

She earned: “Because people are often averse to taking medication, but if you are in pain, obviously that’s the right answer for you.”

The advice came as pharmacies in the UK are experiencing a shortage of some strengths of the painkiller co-codamol, which could last until the end of June, and supplies of aspirin are low too. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which represents around 6,000 independent community pharmacies, said members have reported problems with sourcing 30mg and 500mg tablets, which is having a knock-on effect on other strengths.

According to the NPA, some suppliers have told pharmacists that issues could last until at least the end of June. Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, said: “Pharmacies are telling us they have struggled to order in supplies of some strengths of co-codamol, with a number reporting that supply disruption will last at least until June.

“This is deeply distressing for patients living with severe pain, and pharmacists are working tirelessly to find safe alternatives or manage very limited stock.” Co-codamol is a commonly prescribed painkiller which comprises a mix of paracetamol and codeine.

It is used to treat a wide range of pain, such as toothache, period pain and muscle pain. According to NHS figures, some 1.25 million items a month of co-codamol were prescribed to patients in 2025.

Mr Picard added, “Where pharmacies have supplies, they will be doing all they can to manage them to ensure patients get the medication they need. We face ever-growing issues with medicine supplies, which are compounded by the NHS not funding the full cost pharmacies have to pay to get the medicines patients need.

“The Government must urgently act to address a growing list of medicine shortages impacting patients and pharmacists alike, who end up at the sharp end of an increasingly difficult medicine supply system.”