Back, hip or joint ache

See a doctor if

• Pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
• Loss of feeling around the genitals or anus, or changes in bladder or bowel control
• Back pain with chest pain, or after a serious accident
• Very bad joint pain after a fall, a joint out of place, or you cannot put weight on it
• A joint that is swollen and hot, or joint pain with a fever or feeling unwell
• Severe back pain that started suddenly or is getting worse quickly

Foods

• Mackerel (some): EPA and DHA; the trials were in inflammatory joint pain and used fish oil
• Salmon (farmed) (some): EPA and DHA; the evidence is for supplements, not for the food itself
• Turmeric (some): trials used turmeric extract or curcumin, far more than cooking amounts
• Ginger (traditional): traditional for aches
• Walnuts (traditional): plant omega-3 (ALA) was not what the trials tested
• Flaxseed (traditional): plant omega-3 (ALA) was not what the trials tested
• Cow's milk (whole) (traditional): calcium for bones; not shown to ease pain
• Plain yogurt (whole milk) (traditional): calcium for bones; not shown to ease pain

A suggestion, not a diagnosis. Check with your doctor, especially if you're pregnant, on medication or managing a condition.