They found two alcoholic drinks cut it by a quarter — and the more ale people consumed, the less agony they felt.

Axar.az reports citing The Sun.

Experts are now trying to figure out if booze blunts the sensation of pain by acting on brain receptors or if it lowers anxiety — which then reduces the perception of discomfort.

Dr. Trevor Thompson, who headed the study at London’s Greenwich University, said: “We have found strong evidence that alcohol is an effective painkiller.

“It can be compared to opioid drugs such as codeine and the effect is more powerful than paracetamol.

“If we can make a drug without the harmful side- effects then we could have something that is potentially better than what is out there at the moment.”

The findings, reported in The Journal of Pain, looked at 18 studies involving more than 400 participants and may explain why those with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, are more likely to booze.

Government guidelines recommend no more than 14 units a week for men and women — six pints of beer or six 175ml glasses of wine.

The researchers agree regular boozing to combat pain can cause other health issues.

Rosanna O’Connor, Director of Alcohol and Drugs at Public Health England, stressed: “Drinking too much will cause you more problems in the long run. It’s better to see your GP.”

A study last month also found a daily pint or glass of wine can slash the chances of a heart attack by a third.

And it cuts the risk of dying young by a quarter.