Best first steps for relief of 4 common pains

Pain is our body's way of telling us something is wrong. When confronted by pain, it should never be ignored. Consider these first steps to take with these common ailments.

Your best bet for relief is to address IC's painful symptoms — the discomfort, urgency, and frequency of urination — as soon as possible. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can take steps to minimize your pain and discomfort. Carbonated drinks, cola, citrus fruits, acidic foods in general, chocolate and spicy foods can trigger a flare-up of symptoms. Ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve pain and inflammation.

Start taking over-the-counter pain medications one or two days before your period begins and continue for one to two days into your period. If your doctor gives you the okay, try 400 milligrams of ibuprofen every four hours; 500 milligrams of naproxen to start, then 250 milligrams every six hours; or 250 milligrams of ketoprofen every six hours. If you turn into a couch potato every time you get your period or if your period suddenly arrives with painful cramps you haven't had before, see your doctor so that he can check for a more serious cause.

If you suspect you have PMS, you can take several steps both to confirm your suspicions and to feel better. Create a chart, numbering days one through 31 across the top, listing your five worst symptoms down the side. Each day, give each symptom a severity score from zero to three (three being the worst). Circle the days when you are bleeding. Complete this chart for one to two complete cycles. This will help you see whether your symptoms continue after your period, a sign that your difficulties may be more than PMS.

Vulvodynia means pain in the vulva. One key to treatment is to find out the root cause, which means discussing the problem with your gynecologist.Until you can see your doctor, stop putting soap, bath oil, cream or feminine deodorant sprays on your genital area, and avoid using harsh detergents and fabric softener on your underwear. Wash with plain water only. This may help ease symptoms.

Medications will ease pain and discomfort but the most important step is to get it looked at immediately to rule out more serious problems.