10 PILL-FREE WAYS TO BEAT PAIN

These natural solutions could have similar benefits to prescription medication

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Niggling back pain keeping you up at night? Sore knees making stairs tricky? Chronic pain affects a quarter of Brits* and it can have an impact on everything from how much sleep you're getting to being able to enjoy intimacy.

Finding a remedy can be difficult more than 27%** of those living with arthritis say they've not yet found a medication that works for them. The good news? There are plenty of natural ways to beat pain. Here's how...

1 SWITCH UP YOUR SLEEPING POSITION

Whether you're tossing and turning all night, or wake with back or neck pain, the way you're catching those ZZZs might be to blame. Side sleeper? Place a pillow between your knees to prevent the lower spine from twisting. If you're a back sleeper, put a pillow under your knees and a rolled-up towel under the small of your back. And those who tend to sleep face down should reduce strain by placing a pillow under their pelvis and lower abdomen.

2 SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH

Regular migraine attacks? Dark chocolate could help. Not only is it full of flavonoids, which help beat inflammation, but the pleasure of eating it can have a big impact. This is thanks to uplifting, dopamine-boosting substances it contains, says Dr Dougall McCorry, who points out that dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate pain. Stick to 70% cocoa and above to get the full benefits.

3 GET CREATIVE