No pain, all gain

FROM CHOCOLATE TO SWEARING, JAMES MOORE LOOKS AT SOME RATHER UNUSUAL WAYS TO EASE ACHES AND PAINS

LOOKING for the perfect excuse to lounge about all afternoon watching classic movies? Well, here it is... a study has found that a dose of nostalgia can help reduce your aches and pains.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences found that people reported less discomfort when they viewed old photographs compared to images of modern life, with the researchers claiming nostalgia may be a drug-free way to tackle low levels of pain from things like headaches.

But it’s not the only surprising way to ease your discomfort…

Tuck into chocolate

The distraction of eating chocolate is a natural way to reduce the pain we feel, according to research by the University of Chicago. Cocoa also works as an anti-inflammatory.

Even just thinking about a favourite food could help. A 2008 study found visualising food worked better for pain relief compared to other distractions such as thinking about your happy place.

Swear like a trooper

Don’t feel guilty for turning the air blue like celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay when you’re in pain. Researchers at Keele University found people could keep their hands in icy water for longer when they used foul language. It appears to help by triggering a “fight or flight” response in the brain.

Say ouch

Don’t want to swear? Even saying “ow” can help, according to a study from the University of Singapore, which found vocalising gives people an outlet to put up with pain.

Eat pineapple

Studies have shown the fruit can help ease pain following surgery or exercise because it contains the anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain.

Number crunch

Counting down from 1,000 by seven each time is a winner, according to German researchers. They found the level of concentration this required could help the brain avoid focusing on pain.

Grin and bear it

Smiling while you get an injection is worth a shot – people who did so reported 40 per cent less pain than those with a blank facial expression, according to one American study.

Fingers crossed

This handy trick can reduce pain according to a study in the journal Current Biology, by confusing the way the brain processes sensations. Crossing your arms works too.

Hold hands

We instinctively take someone’s hand if they’re having a hard time, but scientists in the US say it actively reduces physical suffering. It’s thought that touch communicates empathy and releases painkilling chemicals.

Rub it better

If you’ve got a small injury, massaging it really does help ease pain. Swedish research found the sensation of stroking overrides pain signals.

Carry wads of cash

In an experiment at the University of Minnesota in the US, researchers found having a few notes in your pocket could help ward off pain just as well as painkillers. It’s because it boosts feelings of self-worth.

Sleep in

Getting an extra hour’s kip could be key. American researchers found a lie-in reduced pain sensitivity, with subjects able to keep their finger on a heat source for 25 per cent longer. Sleep was more effective than a dose of codeine.

Watch a tearjerker

Sad movies can help, according to scientists at Oxford University, because they trigger feelings of bonding and endorphins in the brain, just like laughter.

Order a takeout

Hot dishes often feature the spice turmeric, which contains curcumin – a substance believed to have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce aches and swelling. A study from Thailand found it could help with pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Get frisky

Having a headache is no longer an excuse to avoid cuddling up. A German study found that sex can be even more effective than painkillers to treat a migraine, releasing feel-good chemicals.