BBC doctor gives paracetamol, ibuprofen non medication alternative

BBC doctor gives paracetamol, ibuprofen non medication alternativeAppearing on BBC Morning Live Dr Punam Krishan explained that people need to consider other methodsCommentsNewsBen Hurst15:37, 03 Apr 2026View ImageDr Punam Krishan explained there are alternative methods to taking medication for pain which can help(Image: Getty)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 heat therapy 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.”READ MORE: BBC expert's advice for people taking ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenacREAD MORE: Glasgow GP shares fear of cancer return in 'mother of all anxiety'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 treatm...