Pain relief

Paracetamol, ibuprofen, combination and topical pain relief compared for headaches, period pain, back pain and sore joints or muscles.

3 sections11 articles

Browse Pain relief

Oral pain relief

Paracetamol · Ibuprofen & NSAIDs · Aspirin · Combination pain relief

2 articles

Pain by condition

Migraine & headache · Period pain · Back & joint pain · Arthritis pain

6 articles

Topical pain relief

Anti-inflammatory gels · Heat rubs & creams · Pain relief patches · Muscle rubs & balms

3 articles

Best of & comparisons in Pain relief

Pain relief11 min read

Best Paracetamol Australia: Panadol vs Panamax (2026)

Panadol, Panamax, Herron, Chemist Own — same active ingredient, very different prices. Compare common formulations and learn how to check value per tablet and per dose.

Pain relief4 min read

Paracetamol vs Ibuprofen: Which Should You Take?

Compare paracetamol and ibuprofen, their key cautions and what to check before combining pain medicines.

Pain relief9 min read

Migraine vs Tension Headache: How to Tell the Difference (Australian Guide)

Migraine or tension headache? How to tell them apart by location, pain and symptoms, which OTC options may help each, plus the red flags that mean see a doctor.

Pain relief12 min read

Best Anti-Inflammatory Gel Australia: Voltaren vs Nurofen (2026)

Compare Australia's top anti-inflammatory gels — Voltaren Osteo Gel 12 Hourly, Emulgel, and Nurofen — on strength, concentration, application frequency, and who each product suits best.

Pain relief12 min read

Best Heat Rub in Australia: Compared for 2026

We compare Deep Heat, Tiger Balm, Dencorub, Metsal and Mentholatum on active ingredients, how they work, and which suits back pain, sore muscles or recovery.

Pain relief11 min read

Best Pain Relief Patches Australia (2026): Medicated, Heat & Menthol

Compare the top pain relief patches available in Australia — Voltaren, Salonpas, Deep Heat and more — and find which type may best suit your muscle or joint discomfort.

Advice & guides in Pain relief

Pain relief12 min read

How to Get Rid of a Headache: Types, Causes & OTC Relief

Tension, migraine, sinus or cluster — identify your headache type and find the best OTC relief available at Australian pharmacies, plus the red flags that mean see a GP.

Pain relief5 min read

Back Pain Relief in Australia: OTC Options and When to Seek Help

Compare the limits of OTC back-pain medicines, staying active, safety cautions and symptoms that need urgent assessment.

Pain relief10 min read

Sinus Headache Treatment and How to Tell It From a Migraine

Most self-diagnosed sinus headaches are actually migraines. Learn how to tell them apart and the OTC treatment ladder for true sinus headache.

Pain relief9 min read

Medication-Overuse Headache: Causes and How to Break the Cycle

The painkillers meant to fix your headache can start causing it. Learn which medicines cause rebound headache and how to break the cycle safely.

Pain relief8 min read

Gout Treatment in Australia: Attacks & Prevention

Relieve a gout attack fast and lower your long-term risk. Compare OTC anti-inflammatories, colchicine, allopurinol, diet triggers and when to see a GP.

Medical disclaimer

This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what’s right for you.