Aches and pains | healthdirect

<!DOCTYPE html>  <html lang="en-AU"> <head> <title>Aches and pains | healthdirect</title> <script src="https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api.js?render=6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" async defer></script> <meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=1021494621"> <meta name="description" content="Pain is a part of life, but it shouldn't stop you from living. Learn about the types of pain, including back pain, headaches, and swelling in the groin, as well as pain relief."> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <meta name="referrer" content="always" /> <meta name="DC.Format" schema="DCterms:IMT" content="http://purl.org/ontology/nhccn#text_html" /><meta name="DC.Type" content="http://purl.org/ontology/nhccn#text_html"> <meta name="DC.Title" xml:lang="EN" content="Aches and pains" /> <meta name="DC.Creator" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Subject" xml:lang="EN" content="Pain,Back Pain,Headache,Pain Relief"> <meta name="DC.Publisher" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Date" scheme="ISO8601" content="2025-02-13T05:13:53.983Z"> <meta name="DC.Description" xml:lang="EN" content="Pain is a part of life, but it shouldn't stop you from living. Learn about the types of pain, including back pain, headaches, and swelling in the groin, as well as pain relief."> <meta name="DC.Rights" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Language" content="en-AU"> <meta property="og:title" content="Aches and pains" > <meta property="og:type" content="article" > <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/aches-and-pains" > <meta property="og:image" content="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/healthdirect_logo.png"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/aches-and-pains"> <script src="https://cdn-oc.readspeaker.com/script/8207/webReader/webReader.js?pids=wr" type="text/javascript" id="rs_req_Init"></script> <script> dataLayer = []; </script>  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MHFB33K');</script>  <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="512x512" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-512x512.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="192x192" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-192x192.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/assets/images/favicon-32x32.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="/assets/images/favicon-16x16.png">  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/assets/720/styles/main.css"> <style type="text/css"> .grecaptcha-badge{ display:none; } </style> <script type="text/javascript"> var HDW = {mediaCdn:'https://media.healthdirect.org.au/', siteId:'hin', nhsdApi:'7de96a3a4efb4b93b19035e6ee7554ef'} </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/assets/720/scripts/veyron.js"></script> </head> <body >  <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-MHFB33K" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>  <header class="hda-head"> <div class="hda-head_content"> <div class="hda-head_content-common"> <div class="hda-head_col-logo"> <a href="/" class="hda-head_col-logo-link"> <img class="hda-head_col-logo-img" src="/assets/images/logo-hda.svg" alt="healthdirect australia logo"> </a> </div> <div class="hda-head_col-mob-menu mobile-only"> <script type="text/javascript">function getHeaderButtonsMobileHtml(isLoggedIn, baseUrl) { switch (isLoggedIn) { case true: return String.raw` <div class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account" id="header-buttons-mobile"> <button class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account-signout-btn" aria-controls="menu-sign" aria-haspopup="menu" aria-expanded="false" onclick="handleToggle()" > <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_user-circle"></i><span class="sr-only">Sign out</span> </button> <ul id="menu-sign" role="menu" class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account-list" style="display: none"> <li><a href="/account/dashboard">Dashboard</a></li> <li><a href="/account/care-advice">Care advice</a></li> <li><a href="/account/profile">Profile</a></li> <li><a href="/" onclick="return handleSignOutMobile('${baseUrl}')">Sign out</a></li> </ul> </div>` case false: return String.raw` <div class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account" id="header-buttons-mobile"> <button class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account-signin-btn" aria-controls="menu-sign" aria-haspopup="menu" aria-expanded="false" onclick="handleToggle()" > <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_user-circle-o"></i><span class="sr-only">Sign in</span> </button> <ul id="menu-sign" role="menu" class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account-list" style="display: none"> <li><a href="/account/join">Join</a></li> <li><a href="/account/signin">Sign in</a></li> </ul> </div>` } }; async function handleSignOutMobile(baseUrl) { const hasBeenSignedOut = await fetch(baseUrl.concat("auth/sign-out"), { method: "POST", headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json", }, body: JSON.stringify({ data: { type: "sign-out", attributes: { accessToken: localStorage.getItem('access_token'), } } }) }).then(response => response.status === 204).catch(console.error); // redirect to the homepage if (hasBeenSignedOut) { localStorage.removeItem('access_token'); localStorage.removeItem('session_token'); localStorage.removeItem('email'); localStorage.removeItem('refresh_token'); window.location.href = '/'; } return false; }; function handleToggle() { const menu = document.getElementById('menu-sign'); if (menu.style.display === "none") menu.style.display = "block"; else menu.style.display = "none"; }</script> <div class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account" id="header-buttons-mobile"> <button class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account-signin-btn" aria-controls="menu-sign" aria-haspopup="menu" aria-expanded="false" onclick="handleToggle()" > <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_user-circle-o"></i><span class="sr-only">Sign in</span> </button> <ul id="menu-sign" role="menu" class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-account-list" style="display: none"> <li><a href="/account/join">Join</a></li> <li><a href="/account/signin">Sign in</a></li> </ul> </div> <script> (async() => { const headerButtonsMobile = document.getElementById('header-buttons-mobile'); const isLoggedIn = !!localStorage.getItem('access_token'); headerButtonsMobile.outerHTML = getHeaderButtonsMobileHtml(isLoggedIn, "https://prd.uim.hda-online.com.au/"); })(); </script> <button class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-btn" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_col-mob-menu-btn-icon"></i> Menu </button> </div> <div class="hda-head_col-tagline"> <h1 class="hda-head_col-tagline-line"><span class="sr-only">Healthdirect </span><span>Free Australian health advice you can count on.</span></h1> </div> <script type="text/javascript">function getHeaderButtonsHtml(isLoggedIn, baseUrl) { switch (isLoggedIn) { case true: return String.raw` <div class="hda-head_col-user-acc-sign-out" id="header-buttons"> <a class="ua-lnk_dash" href="/account/dashboard"><i class="dor-icon_user-circle-o" aria-hidden="true"></i> <span>My account</span></a> <button class="ua-btn_outlined" onclick="handleSignOut('${baseUrl}')">Sign out</button> </div> ` case false: return String.raw` <div class="hda-head_col-user-acc-sign-in" id="header-buttons"> <button class="ua-btn_filled" onclick="handleJoin()">Join</button> <button class="ua-btn_outlined" onclick="handleSignIn()">Sign in</button> </div> ` } }; async function handleSignOut(baseUrl) { const hasBeenSignedOut = await fetch(baseUrl.concat("auth/sign-out"), { method: "POST", headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json", }, body: JSON.stringify({ data: { type: "sign-out", attributes: { accessToken: localStorage.getItem('access_token'), } } }) }).then(response => response.status === 204).catch(console.error); // redirect to the homepage if (hasBeenSignedOut) { localStorage.removeItem('access_token'); localStorage.removeItem('session_token'); localStorage.removeItem('email'); localStorage.removeItem('refresh_token'); window.location.href = '/'; } }; function handleSignIn() { window.location.href = '/account/signin'; }; function handleJoin() { window.location.href = '/account/join'; }</script> <div class="hda-head_col-user-acc-sign-in" id="header-buttons"> <button class="ua-btn_filled" onclick="handleJoin()">Join</button> <button class="ua-btn_outlined" onclick="handleSignIn()">Sign in</button> </div> <script> (async() => { const headerButtons = document.getElementById('header-buttons'); const isLoggedIn = !!localStorage.getItem('access_token'); headerButtons.outerHTML = getHeaderButtonsHtml(isLoggedIn, "https://prd.uim.hda-online.com.au/"); })(); </script> <div class="hda-head_content-common-print"> <p>Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately</p> <p>healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.</p> </div> </div> <div class="hda-head_menu-row">  <div class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode device-only">  <form id="search-form-node-mobile-mode" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search"> <div role="combobox" aria-expanded="false" aria-owns="header-search-suggestions" aria-haspopup="listbox"> <input tabindex="0" id="header-search-mobile-mode" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search-field" type="search" autocomplete="off" name="searchterm" placeholder="Search our site" title="Suggestion options" aria-label="Enter your search terms" aria-autocomplete="list"> </div> <ul id="header-search-suggestions" class="dropdown-menu hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search-list veyron-search-list" role="listbox" position="position"> <li class="primary-search-list-item" role="option"> <a tabindex="-1" rel="nofollow" href="/search-results/{{url}}">{{label}}</a> </li> </ul> <button tabindex="0" aria-label="search" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search-submit veyron-search-lens-btn" type="button"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-mobile-mode-search-icon"></i> </button> </form> <script type="text/javascript"> primarySearch('node-mobile-mode'); </script> </div> <nav class="hda-head_menu-row-bar">  <ul class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav"> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <a href="/">Home</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <button class="hda-js-has-secondary-menu" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">Health topics A-Z <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-dropdown-icon"></i></button> <div class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2"> <ul> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item tablet-up"> <a href="/health-topics/conditions" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-heading">Conditions</a> <a href="/gastroenteritis">Gastroenteritis</a> <a href="/skin-conditions">Skin Conditions</a> <a href="/whooping-cough">Whooping Cough</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item tablet-up"> <a href="/health-topics/symptoms" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-heading">Symptoms</a> <a href="/abdominal-pain">Abdominal Pain</a> <a href="/bites-and-stings">Bites and Stings</a> <a href="/diarrhoea">Diarrhoea</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item tablet-up"> <a href="/health-topics/procedures" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-heading">Procedures</a> <a href="/colonoscopy">Colonoscopy</a> <a href="/grommets">Grommets</a> <a href="/liposuction">Liposuction</a> <a href="/tubal-ligation">Tubal ligation</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item tablet-up"> <a href="/life-stages" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-heading">Life stages</a> <a href="/babies-and-toddlers-health">Babies and toddlers</a> <a href="/kids-health">Kids</a> <a href="/seniors-health">Seniors</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-item__a-z"> <a href="/health-topics" class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-2-heading">All topics</a> <a href="/health-topics/A">A</a> <a href="/health-topics/B">B</a> <a href="/health-topics/C">C</a> <a href="/health-topics/D">D</a> <a href="/health-topics/E">E</a> <a href="/health-topics/F">F</a> <a href="/health-topics/G">G</a> <a href="/health-topics/H">H</a> <a href="/health-topics/I">I</a> <a href="/health-topics/J">J</a> <a href="/health-topics/K">K</a> <a href="/health-topics/L">L</a> <a href="/health-topics/M">M</a> <a href="/health-topics/N">N</a> <a href="/health-topics/O">O</a> <a href="/health-topics/P">P</a> <a href="/health-topics/Q">Q</a> <a href="/health-topics/R">R</a> <a href="/health-topics/S">S</a> <a href="/health-topics/T">T</a> <a href="/health-topics/U">U</a> <a href="/health-topics/V">V</a> <a href="/health-topics/W">W</a> <a href="/health-topics/X">X</a> <a href="/health-topics/Y">Y</a> <a href="/health-topics/Z">Z</a> </li> </ul> </div> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <a href="/medicines">Medicines</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <a href="/symptom-checker">Symptom checker</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item"> <a href="/australian-health-services">Service finder</a> </li> <li class="hda-head_menu-row-bar-nav-level-1-item desktop-only">  <form id="search-form-node-desktop-mode" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-desktop-mode-search"> <div role="combobox" aria-expanded="false" aria-owns="header-search-suggestions" aria-haspopup="listbox"> <input tabindex="0" id="header-search-desktop-mode" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-desktop-mode-search-field" type="search" autocomplete="off" name="searchterm" placeholder="Search our site" title="Suggestion options" aria-label="Enter your search terms" aria-autocomplete="list"> </div> <ul id="header-search-suggestions" class="dropdown-menu hda-head_menu-row-node-desktop-mode-search-list veyron-search-list" role="listbox" position="position"> <li class="primary-search-list-item" role="option"> <a tabindex="-1" rel="nofollow" href="/search-results/{{url}}">{{label}}</a> </li> </ul> <button tabindex="0" aria-label="search" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-desktop-mode-search-submit veyron-search-lens-btn" type="button"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_menu-row-node-desktop-mode-search-icon"></i> </button> </form> <script type="text/javascript"> primarySearch('node-desktop-mode'); </script> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> <div class="hda-head_mobile-screen mobile-only"></div> <nav class="hda-head_mobile-menu mobile-only"> <header>Menu <button class="hda-head_mobile-menu-btn-close">Close <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-btn-close-icon"></i></button></header> <ul class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-1"> <li> <a href="/">Home <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="#" data-ga-finder="Top menu,Health topics A-Z,#">Health topics A-Z <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> <ul class="hda-head_mobile-menu-lvl-2"> <li> <a href="/health-topics/conditions">Conditions <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="/health-topics/symptoms">Symptoms <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="/health-topics/procedures">Procedures <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="/life-stages">Life stages <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="/health-topics">All topics <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/medicines">Medicines <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="/symptom-checker">Symptom checker <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> <li> <a href="/australian-health-services">Service finder <i aria-hidden="true" class="hda-head_mobile-menu-icon"></i></a> </li> </ul> </nav> <script type="text/javascript"> initHeader(); </script>  <script type="text/javascript" src="/assets/720/scripts/idle-session-timeout.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/assets/720/scripts/http-helper.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/assets/720/scripts/auth.js"></script>  </header> <section class="main"> <section class="main_content"> <div class="main_content-col-left"> <div class="floating-header-offset mobile-only" id="socialsharebuttonanchor"></div> <div class="main_content-col-left-tools mobile-only"> <div class="social-section_share socialshare-node-mobile-mode blog__node-mobile-mode"> <div class="social-section_share-platforms"> <button class="social-section_share-platforms-print veyron-social-share-print-btn"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_print"></i> Print </button> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group"> <button class="social-section_share-platforms-group-btn" aria-haspopup="false" aria-expanded="false"><i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_share"></i> Share</button> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group-menu"> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group-menu-tail"></div> <a title="Share this page on Facebook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/aches-and-pains"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_facebook"></i> <span class="sr-only">share via Facebook</span> </a> <button class="share-email-button veyron-social-share-email-btn"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_email"></i> <span class="sr-only">share via Email</span> </button> </div> </div> <div class="popup-content hidden"> <form name="shareForm" novalidate class="social-section_share-form"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"> <h2>Share via email</h2> </header> <section class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <section class="dor-modal_body-main-notifications"> <div class="form-error-list dor-form_error-area hidden" tabindex="0"> <p>There is a total of <span>5</span> error<span>s</span> on this form, details are below.</p> <ul> <li id="txtNameErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtName">Please enter your name</a></li> <li id="txtFromEmailErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtFromEmail">Please enter your email</a> </li> <li id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel1List" class="hidden"><a href="#txtFromEmail">Your email is invalid. Please check and try again</a></li> <li id="txtToEmailErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtToEmail">Please enter recipient's email</a></li> <li id="txtToEmailErrorLabel1List" class="hidden"><a href="#txtToEmail">Recipient's email is invalid. Please check and try again</a></li> <li id="termsChkErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#chkTerms">Agree to Terms required</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="dor-form_success-area hidden gaTrackCaptcha-fail" id="recaptcha"> Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. </div> </section> <section class="dor-modal_body-main-content"> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblName">Your name: <span class="sr-only">is required</span></label> <p id="txtNameErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_user"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="text" id="txtName" name="shareFromName" maxlength="50" aria-labelledby="lblName" aria-describedby="txtNameErrorLabel" aria-invalid="false" required> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblFromEmail">Your email: <span class="sr-only">is required</span></label> <p id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <p id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel1" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>Not a valid value</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_envelope"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="email" id="txtFromEmail" name="shareFromEmail" maxlength="50" aria-labelledby="lblFromEmail" aria-describedby="txtFromEmailErrorLabel txtFromEmailErrorLabel1" aria-invalid="false" required data-pattern=^[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+)*@[a-zA-Z0-9-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-zA-Z]{2,4})> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblToEmail">Send to: <span class="sr-only"> is required</span></label> <p id="txtToEmailErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <p id="txtToEmailErrorLabel1" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>Not a valid value</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_envelope"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="email" id="txtToEmail" name="shareToEmail" aria-labelledby="lblToEmail" maxlength="50" aria-describedby="txtToEmailErrorLabel txtToEmailErrorLabel1" aria-invalid="false" required data-pattern=^[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+)*@[a-zA-Z0-9-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-zA-Z]{2,4})> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <p id="termsChkErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <label id="chkTerms" class="dor-chkrdo_group" aria-describedby="termsChkErrorLabel"> <input id="termsChk" class="checkbox-group-input" type="checkbox" name="terms" required> I have read and agree to the <a href="/terms-of-use" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/privacy-policy" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a><span class="sr-only"> is required</span>. <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> </div> </section> </section> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <button class="g-recaptcha dor-modal_body-footer-action" type="submit" title="Send to a friend via email" data-sitekey="6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" data-callback='onSubmit' data-error-callback='onError' data-size="invisible">Submit</button> </footer> </form> </div> <script type="text/javascript">function onSubmit(token) { sendNotification(); }; function onError(error) {}</script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-mobile-mode', "https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/aches-and-pains"); </script> </div> <main class="main_content-general-text"> <header> <a id="main_content-text"><span class="sr-only">beginning of content</span></a> <h1>Aches and pains</h1> </header> <section class="main_content-theme"> <a href="/abdominal-pain" title="Abdominal pain" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/abdominal-pain-784b98.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Abdominal pain</h4> <p> Abdominal (tummy) pain can have many causes. Read about the causes and treatment for abdominal pain, as well as when to see a doctor. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Abdominal pain.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/ankle-pain" title="Ankle pain" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/ankle-pain-1d8146.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Ankle pain</h4> <p> Ankle pain is when your ankle joint is sore. It may get worse when walking. Read about the causes of ankle pain and what to do about injuries. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Ankle pain.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/back-pain" title="Back pain — an overview" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/back-pain-ed6e4c.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Back pain — an overview</h4> <p> Back pain is rarely caused by a serious medical problem but can significantly affect your wellbeing and quality of life. Learn how to manage it. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Back pain — an overview.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/chest-pain" title="Chest pain" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/chest-pain-a0f72e.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Chest pain</h4> <p> Chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack. Find out the common causes of chest pain, when to be concerned and what to do if you have chest pain. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Chest pain.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/chronic-pain" title="Chronic pain" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/chronic-pain-b9dd62.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Chronic pain</h4> <p> Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than 3 months or beyond expected healing time. Learn about the causes, living with and managing chronic pain. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Chronic pain.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/groin-pain-or-swelling" title="Groin pain or swelling" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/sprint-race_groin-injury-3b4a8b.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Groin pain or swelling</h4> <p> Get advice on how to look after yourself if you are experiencing groin pain or swelling. Learn how to manage your symptoms and when to see a doctor. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Groin pain or swelling.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/headaches" title="Headaches" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/headaches-04bc76.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Headaches</h4> <p> Headache is a common health complaint and most headaches are not serious. Learn about the different types of headaches and pain relief options. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Headaches.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/hip-pain" title="Hip pain" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/hip-pain-1f46ba.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Hip pain</h4> <p> Hip pain is very common. Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatments for hip pain and when to seek medical attention. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Hip pain.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/joint-pain-and-swelling" title="Joint pain and swelling" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/old-woman-hand-joint-pain_h-4dd792.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Joint pain and swelling</h4> <p> Joint pain and swelling can affect any joint in the body. Learn more about managing pain and living well. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Joint pain and swelling.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/knee-pain" title="Knee pain" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/football-knee-pain-056ea9.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Knee pain</h4> <p> Knee pain is a common problem with many causes. Find out more about the symptoms of knee pain and when you should seek medical treatment. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Knee pain.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/leg-pain" title="Leg pain" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/man-leg-pain_h-4fbba4.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Leg pain</h4> <p> Leg pain is any ache or discomfort you get between your groin and ankle. Read here to find out more about leg pain symptoms, causes and treatment. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Leg pain.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/muscle-aches-and-pains" title="Muscle aches and pains" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/massage-muscle-ache-49822d.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Muscle aches and pains</h4> <p> Muscular aches and pains are common and often related to tension, overuse, or injury, resulting from exercise or physically demanding work. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Muscle aches and pains.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/nerve-pain" title="Nerve pain (neuralgia)" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/nerve-cell-fbb031.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Nerve pain (neuralgia)</h4> <p> Nerve pain (neuralgia) can feel like a shooting, stabbing or burning sensation. Find out about the causes and treatments for nerve pain. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Nerve pain (neuralgia).</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/painful-periods" title="Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/girl-clutching-stomach_h-05ad7f.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)</h4> <p> Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is common, especially among young females. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments of painful periods. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea).</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/pain-relief-medicines" title="Pain-relief medicines" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/pain-relief-medicine-0b482d.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Pain-relief medicines</h4> <p> Pain relief medicines include over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Learn about their side effects as well as when and when not to use them. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Pain-relief medicines.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/painful-sex-for-women" title="Painful sex for women" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/painful-sex-for-women-6c978e.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Painful sex for women</h4> <p> Experiencing pain or discomfort during vaginal sex is fairly common. Learn about some health conditions that can cause pain during intercourse. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Painful sex for women.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/paracetamol" title="Paracetamol" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/paracetamol-d165fe.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Paracetamol</h4> <p> You can take paracetamol for mild to moderate pain. Find out when to take paracetamol, its side effects and what to do if you take too much. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Paracetamol.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/penis-swelling-and-injury" title="Penis injury, swelling or pain" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/injured-footballer_c394p6_44493f09-5055-49b8-8474-5afd12132202-6c93cb.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Penis injury, swelling or pain</h4> <p> Your penis may become swollen or inflamed if injured. Follow the self-care advice, find out how to relieve symptoms and when to see your doctor. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Penis injury, swelling or pain.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/shoulder-pain" title="Shoulder pain" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/shoulder-pain-c5d250.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Shoulder pain</h4> <p> Shoulder pain has many different causes. The pain may occur in the joint itself, or in the many muscles, tendons and ligaments in the shoulders. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Shoulder pain.</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/sore-throat" title="Sore throat (pharyngitis)" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/sore-throat-07246c.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Sore throat (pharyngitis)</h4> <p> Pharyngitis is a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection, common with a cold or flu. Learn how to care for a sore throat and when to see a doctor. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Sore throat (pharyngitis).</span > </button> </div> </a> <a href="/wrist-pain" title="Wrist pain" class="main_content-theme-tile" > <img class="main_content-theme-tile-image" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/wrist-pain-c16744.jpg" title="" alt=""> <div class="main_content-theme-tile-body"> <h4>Wrist pain</h4> <p> Wrist pain can happen suddenly or can be chronic. Read more to learn what causes it, and how to treat and prevent wrist pain. </p> <button class="main_content-theme-tile-body-read-more"> Read more<span class="sr-only"> about Wrist pain.</span > </button> </div> </a> </section> </main> </div> <aside class="main_content-col-right print-hidden"> <div class="tablet-up"> <section> <div class="social-section_share socialshare-node-desktop-mode blog__node-desktop-mode"> <div class="social-section_share-platforms"> <button class="social-section_share-platforms-print veyron-social-share-print-btn"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_print"></i> Print </button> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group"> <button class="social-section_share-platforms-group-btn" aria-haspopup="false" aria-expanded="false"><i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_share"></i> Share</button> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group-menu"> <div class="social-section_share-platforms-group-menu-tail"></div> <a title="Share this page on Facebook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/aches-and-pains"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_facebook"></i> <span class="sr-only">share via Facebook</span> </a> <button class="share-email-button veyron-social-share-email-btn"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_email"></i> <span class="sr-only">share via Email</span> </button> </div> </div> <div class="popup-content hidden"> <form name="shareForm" novalidate class="social-section_share-form"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"> <h2>Share via email</h2> </header> <section class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <section class="dor-modal_body-main-notifications"> <div class="form-error-list dor-form_error-area hidden" tabindex="0"> <p>There is a total of <span>5</span> error<span>s</span> on this form, details are below.</p> <ul> <li id="txtNameErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtName">Please enter your name</a></li> <li id="txtFromEmailErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtFromEmail">Please enter your email</a> </li> <li id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel1List" class="hidden"><a href="#txtFromEmail">Your email is invalid. Please check and try again</a></li> <li id="txtToEmailErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#txtToEmail">Please enter recipient's email</a></li> <li id="txtToEmailErrorLabel1List" class="hidden"><a href="#txtToEmail">Recipient's email is invalid. Please check and try again</a></li> <li id="termsChkErrorLabelList" class="hidden"><a href="#chkTerms">Agree to Terms required</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="dor-form_success-area hidden gaTrackCaptcha-fail" id="recaptcha"> Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. </div> </section> <section class="dor-modal_body-main-content"> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblName">Your name: <span class="sr-only">is required</span></label> <p id="txtNameErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_user"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="text" id="txtName" name="shareFromName" maxlength="50" aria-labelledby="lblName" aria-describedby="txtNameErrorLabel" aria-invalid="false" required> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblFromEmail">Your email: <span class="sr-only">is required</span></label> <p id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <p id="txtFromEmailErrorLabel1" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>Not a valid value</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_envelope"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="email" id="txtFromEmail" name="shareFromEmail" maxlength="50" aria-labelledby="lblFromEmail" aria-describedby="txtFromEmailErrorLabel txtFromEmailErrorLabel1" aria-invalid="false" required data-pattern=^[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+)*@[a-zA-Z0-9-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-zA-Z]{2,4})> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <label id="lblToEmail">Send to: <span class="sr-only"> is required</span></label> <p id="txtToEmailErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <p id="txtToEmailErrorLabel1" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>Not a valid value</p> <div class="dor-text-input_group"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-icon_envelope"></i> <input class="dor-text-input_group-txt-input" type="email" id="txtToEmail" name="shareToEmail" aria-labelledby="lblToEmail" maxlength="50" aria-describedby="txtToEmailErrorLabel txtToEmailErrorLabel1" aria-invalid="false" required data-pattern=^[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9.'!#$%&*+/=?^{|}~_-]+)*@[a-zA-Z0-9-]+(\.[a-zA-Z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-zA-Z]{2,4})> </div> </div> <div class="dor-form_input-group"> <p id="termsChkErrorLabel" class="dor-form_input-group-error hidden"><span class="sr-only">Error: </span>This is required</p> <label id="chkTerms" class="dor-chkrdo_group" aria-describedby="termsChkErrorLabel"> <input id="termsChk" class="checkbox-group-input" type="checkbox" name="terms" required> I have read and agree to the <a href="/terms-of-use" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/privacy-policy" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a><span class="sr-only"> is required</span>. <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> </div> </section> </section> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <button class="g-recaptcha dor-modal_body-footer-action" type="submit" title="Send to a friend via email" data-sitekey="6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" data-callback='onSubmit' data-error-callback='onError' data-size="invisible">Submit</button> </footer> </form> </div> <script type="text/javascript">function onSubmit(token) { sendNotification(); }; function onError(error) {}</script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-desktop-mode', "https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/aches-and-pains"); </script> </section> <section class="widget-sym" data-ng-show="symptom" data-semantic-links="semanticLinks" layout="sidebar"> <h2>Symptom checker</h2> <p><strong>Worried about your health?</strong></p><p>Select a symptom, answer some questions, get advice.</p> <a class="widget-sym-btn" href="/symptom-checker/tool?symptom=GNRC" title="Check symptoms">Start Your Symptom Check</a> </section> <section class="hsf-panel-node-sidebar-mode veyron-search-by-service-panel "> <form data-old-class="hsf-form" name="serviceFinderForm" novalidate=""> <fieldset class="hsf-form_services"> <legend class="sr-only">service category</legend> <h2>Find a health service</h2> <section class="dor-form_error-area veyron-hsf-panel-error-list hidden" id="hadLocationErrors"> <ul> <li>Please enter a suburb or postcode of your location and select from the list.</li> <li>Unable to find your location. Please enter manually below.</li> <li>Location not found.</li> </ul> </section> <div class="hsf-form_services-cols" data-old-class="widget-hsf_content-col"> <label class="dor-chkrdo_group " > <input class="widget-hsf_content-col-rdo veyron-service-type-default" type="radio" name="selectedServiceType" data-service-name="GP (General practice)" value="aht-11222" checked="checked"> GP (General practice) <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> <label class="dor-chkrdo_group " > <input class="widget-hsf_content-col-rdo veyron-service-type-default" type="radio" name="selectedServiceType" data-service-name="Pharmacy" value="aht-12243" > Pharmacy <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> <label class="dor-chkrdo_group " > <input class="widget-hsf_content-col-rdo veyron-service-type-default" type="radio" name="selectedServiceType" data-service-name="Emergency Departments" value="aht-10968" > Emergency Departments <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> <label class="dor-chkrdo_group " > <input class="widget-hsf_content-col-rdo veyron-service-type-default" type="radio" name="selectedServiceType" data-service-name="Hospitals" value="aht-11440" > Hospitals <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> <p><a href="/australian-health-services">Need more services?</a></p> </div> </fieldset> <fieldset class="hsf-form_location veyron-hsf-panel-location"> <legend class="sr-only">enter a location</legend> <section class="dor-form_error-area veyron-hsf-panel-error-list hidden" id="hadLocationErrors"> <ul> <li>Please enter a suburb or postcode of your location and select from the list.</li> <li>Unable to find your location. Please enter manually below.</li> <li>Location not found.</li> </ul> </section> <div> <label>Enter a location</label>   <div class="hsf-form_location-input-group" data-old-class="widget-hsf_content-col-start-location"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="hsf-form_location-input-group-spinner veyron-hsf-panel-spinner"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="hsf-form_location-input-group-icon"></i> <input class="hsf-form_location-input-group-txt veyron-hsf-panel-location-input" placeholder="Enter postcode or town" type="search" role="combobox" aria-label="Enter a location" aria-describedby="hadLocationErrors" aria-haspopup="true" autocomplete="off" name="locationText" aria-expanded="false" aria-invalid="false" required="" id="search-location-node-sidebar-mode"> <ul class="hsf-form_location-input-group-auto-suggest veyron-hsf-panel-location-auto-suggest-list"> <li class="location-list-item veyron-hsf-panel-location-list-item" data-veyron-click="" tabindex="0" data-url="{{url}}" >{{prefLabel}}</li> </ul> </div> <label class="dor-chkrdo_group"> <input class="veyron-hsf-panel-use-current-location-checkbox" type="checkbox">Use current location <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__off"></i> <i aria-hidden="true" class="dor-chkrdo_group__on"></i> </label> <button class="hsf-form_location-btn veyron-hsf-panel-search-btn" name="search">Search</button>  </div> </fieldset> </form> </section> <script type="text/javascript"> initHsfPanel('hsf-panel-node-sidebar-mode' ); </script> </div> <section class="main_content-article-helper mobile-only"> <a class="main_content-article-helper-sym" href="/symptom-checker/tool?symptom=GNRC">Check your symptoms</a> <a class="main_content-article-helper-hsf" href="/australian-health-services">Find a health service</a> </section> </aside> </section> </section> <div class="veyron-sc-hsf-action-nav"> <section class="content_hotline"> <h1 class="sr-only">Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline</h1> <div class="content_hotline-container"> <p>24 hour health advice you can count on</p> <p><a class="content_hotline-phone" href="tel:1800022222" data-ng-click="hotlineClicked()"><i aria-hidden="true" class="content_hotline-phone-icon"></i> 1800 022 222</a></p> </div> </section> </div> <section class="content_partners veyron-partner-strap-ui"> <h1 class="sr-only">Government Accredited with over 140 information partners</h1> <img class="content_partners-hda-logo" src="/assets/images/logo-hda.svg" alt="Healthdirect logo"> <p>We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice</p> <div> <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-dep-health.png" alt="Australian Government, health department logo"></a> <a href="https://www.health.act.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-act.png" alt="ACT Government logo"></a> <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-nsw-health.png" alt="New South Wales government, health department logo"></a> <a href="https://www.health.nt.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-nt.png" alt="Northen Territory Government logo"></a> <a href="https://www.health.qld.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-qld.png" alt="Queensland Government logo"></a> <a href="https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-sa.png" alt="Government of South Australia, health department logo"></a> <a href="https://www.health.tas.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-tas.png" alt="Tasmanian government logo"></a> <a href="https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-vic.png" alt="Victorian government logo"></a> <a href="https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/assets/images/logo-gov-wa.png" alt="Government of Western Australia, health department logo"></a> </div> </section> <footer class="hda-foot"> <div class="hda-foot_container"> <div class="grid-row"> <div class="hda-foot_col-about"> <h2>About</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/how-healthdirect-can-help-you" rel="noopener">How we can help</a> </li> <li><a href="/health-app">Our mobile app</a></li> <li><a href="/linking-to-us" target="_blank">Linking to us</a></li> <li><a href="/information-partners">Information partners</a></li> <li> <a href="https://healthdirect-serviceline.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/3/create/13" >Register your service</a > </li> <li><a href="/terms-of-use">Terms of use</a></li> <li><a href="/privacy-policy">Privacy</a></li> <li><a href="/artificial-intelligence-transparency-statement">How we use AI</a></li> <li><a href="/contact-us">Contact us</a></li> <li><a href="https://about.healthdirect.gov.au/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">About us</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="hda-foot_col-discover"> <h2>Discover</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/blog">Blog</a></li> <li><a href="/bmi-calculator">BMI calculator</a></li> <li><a href="/health-and-wellbeing-apps">Health apps</a></li> <li><a href="/medicines">Medicines</a></li> <li><a href="/australian-health-services">Service finder</a></li> <li><a href="/symptom-checker">Symptom checker</a></li> <li><a href="/question-builder">Question builder</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="hda-foot_col-language"> <h2>Resources in your language</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/ar/resources-in-arabic">Arabic عربى</a></li> <li><a href="/bn/resources-in-bengali">বাংলা Bengali</a></li> <li><a href="/zh-hans/resources-in-chinese-simplified">简体中文 Chinese Simplified</a></li> <li><a href="/zh-hant/resources-in-chinese-traditional">繁體中文 Chinese Traditional</a></li> <li><a href="/vi/resources-in-vietnamese">Tiếng Việt Vietnamese</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="hda-foot_col-social-app"> <p> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/healthdirect-check-symptoms/id1021494621?ls=1&mt=8" rel="noopener" > <img class="hda-foot_col-social-app-store-img" src="/assets/images/app-apple-store.png" alt="download from the App store"/></a > <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.org.healthdirect.healthdirectapp" rel="noopener" > <img class="hda-foot_col-social-app-store-img" src="/assets/images/app-google-play.png" alt="download from google play"/></a > </p> <p>          <a aria-label="link to facebook page" class="hda-foot_col-social-app-follow-icon" href="https://www.facebook.com/healthdirectaus/" target="_blank" ><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_facebook"></i ></a> <a aria-label="link to instagram page" class="hda-foot_col-social-app-follow-icon" href="https://www.instagram.com/healthdirectaus" target="_blank" ><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_insta"></i ></a> <a aria-label="link to linked-in page" class="hda-foot_col-social-app-follow-icon" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthdirect-australia" target="_blank" ><i aria-hidden="true" class="social-icon_linkedin"></i ></a> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="hda-foot_container"> <div class="grid-row"> <p> healthdirect's information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous <a href="https://about.healthdirect.gov.au/clinical-governance" rel="noopener" target="_blank" >clinical governance framework</a >. </p> <p> <small >This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google <a href="https://policies.google.com/privacy" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a> and <a href="https://policies.google.com/terms" target="_blank">Terms of Service</a> apply. </small> </p> </div> </div> </footer> <div class="hda-foot_acknowledge"> <p> Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present. </p> <p class="hda-foot_copyright"> © 2025 Healthdirect Australia Limited </p> </div> <div class="veyron-global-popup hidden"> <div class="veyron-global-disable-screen dor-modal_screen"></div> <div class="dor-modal_body veyron-global-popup-body"> <div class="veyron-global-popup-container"> </div> <button class="dor-modal_body-exit"> <i class="dor-icon_cross"></i> </button> </div> </div>  <div class="veyron-legacy-browser-msg-popup-content hidden"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"> <h2>Support for this browser is being discontinued</h2> </header> <section class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <section class="dor-form_error-area"> <p>Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site</p> <ul> <li>Internet Explorer 11 and lower</li> </ul> </section> <section class="dor-modal_body-main cont"> <p>We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. For more information, please visit the links below:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.google.com.au/chrome/">Chrome by Google</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new">Firefox by Mozilla</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge">Microsoft Edge</a></li> <li><a href="https://support.apple.com/en_AU/downloads/safari">Safari by Apple</a></li> </ul> <p>You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly.</p> </section> </section> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <button class="dor-modal_body-footer-action veyron-popup-ok">Continue</button> </footer> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> function supportedIE() { var ua = window.navigator.userAgent; // Test values; Uncomment to check result … // IE 10 // ua = 'Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; MSIE 10.0; Windows NT 6.2; Trident/6.0)'; // IE 11 // ua = 'Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.3; Trident/7.0; rv:11.0) like Gecko'; // Edge 12 (Spartan) // ua = 'Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; WOW64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/39.0.2171.71 Safari/537.36 Edge/12.0'; // Edge 13 // ua = 'Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/46.0.2486.0 Safari/537.36 Edge/13.10586'; var msie = ua.indexOf('MSIE '); if (msie > 0) { // IE 10 or older => return version number // return parseInt(ua.substring(msie + 5, ua.indexOf('.', msie)), 10); return false; } var trident = ua.indexOf('Trident/'); if (trident > 0) { // IE 11 => return version number // var rv = ua.indexOf('rv:'); // return parseInt(ua.substring(rv + 3, ua.indexOf('.', rv)), 10); return false; } var edge = ua.indexOf('Edge/'); if (edge > 0) { // Edge (IE 12+) => return version number // return parseInt(ua.substring(edge + 5, ua.indexOf('.', edge)), 10); return true; } // other browser return true; } function loadLegacyPopup() { var alreadyActiveSession = localStorage.getItem('isSessionActive'); // check for active session and or user logged in if(!alreadyActiveSession && !supportedIE()){ // user has alread visited clicked on continue where localStorage isSessionActive is set var ƒ = window['ƒ']; var ƒ1 = window['ƒ1']; var popupContainer = ƒ.openPopup(); var PopupContent = ƒ1('.veyron-legacy-browser-msg-popup-content').clone(); popupContainer.innerHTML = PopupContent.innerHTML; var continueBtn = ƒ1('.veyron-popup-ok', popupContainer); setTimeout(ƒ.setPopupHeight(), 0); continueBtn.bind('click', function(){ ƒ.closePopup(); localStorage.setItem('isSessionActive', 'Visited'); }); } } loadLegacyPopup(); </script> <div id="veyron-throbber" class="hidden"> <div class="dor-throbber_screen"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body">  <div class="dor-throbber_body-container"> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect1"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect2"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect3"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect4"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect5"></div> <div class="dor-throbber_body-container-rect6"></div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript" src="/components/veyron/bootstrapper.js"></script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Aches and pains | healthdirect