Average person endures FOUR minor health complaints leaving them in ‘significant’ pain

WE all experience some pain from time to time, whether it’s a back twinge or a headache.

But according to new research, most of us ignore these pains because we feel like our GPs just don’t care.

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These common pains include backpain, headaches, and hay fever, according to the research[/caption]

A poll of 2,000 adults found the average Brit is currently enduring four ailments and health grumbles.

These include backpain, headaches, and hay fever.

The research revealed that a whopping 82 per cent of people have a minor health condition – with 59 per cent in ‘significant’ discomfort or pain.

More than a quarter of Brits have had specific ailments for several years or more, with eight per cent having been forced to deal with pain for ten years plus.

And the impact is wide-ranging – of those with health conditions, 46 per cent said they struggle to sleep, 28 per cent have developed mental health conditions, and 18 per cent can’t work.

Commissioned by Perrigo, drug manufacturer that makes over-the-counter medication, the research found 70 per cent of sufferers try to adopt a ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude to their ailment.

And 28 per cent do so because they feel their GP doesn’t ‘seem interested’.

That’s if they can even see their GP – 27 per cent claim they can’t get an appointment with their doctor, and 22 per cent simply don’t like going to their local GP.

Although 52 per cent admitted it’s never crossed their mind to visit a pharmacy for advice.

Farah Ali, superintendent pharmacist at Warman-Freed, said: “As Brits, we’re used to keeping calm and carrying on, but when it comes to our health, this shouldn’t be the case.

“Even minor issues and ailments can impact our quality of life and the way we want to live, when they really don’t have to.

“Don’t ignore your body by putting up with discomfort and suffering in silence.

“There are ways to manage conditions early through self-care so that problems don’t build up and disrupt everyday activity.”

The poll also found a tendency to suffer in silence is very much a nationwide problem – 57 per cent of those asked said they usually keep schtum about health complaints.

While 54 per cent admit they are ‘better’ at looking after other people’s health than their own.

And this approach appears to extend to self-care – 56 per cent admitted this isn’t one of their strong points.

Worse still, 43 per cent don’t consider self-care to be a priority.

However, the same percentage think they have improved in this area of their lives during the last two or three years.

Meanwhile 69 per cent claim to be ‘good’ at listening to their body and understanding its needs.

Carried out through OnePoll, the research found the typical adult has taken seven days off work during the past year.

But this figure should perhaps be higher – 59 per cent said they’ve worked despite feeling too ill to do so.

And reasons why include not liking taking time off (37 per cent), having ‘too much work to do’ (31 per cent), and not wanting to acknowledge there was a problem (20 per cent).

Farah added: “You must always seek the advice of a healthcare professional for any prolonged condition.

“Your community pharmacist is an accessible and great first point of call if you’re struggling to get an appointment with your doctor.

“Pharmacists are experts in minor health conditions, able to provide self-care solutions.

“They can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses.

“And they’ll signpost you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional to treat your condition.”

The Sun reported that back pain is now the single biggest cause of disability in the UK, with over a third of people not even knowing the cause of their back pain.

Meanwhile, a doctor has revealed the five headache red flag symptoms that mean you need urgent medical attention.