As an alternative to paracetamol, you could try ibruprofen - it combines both anti-inflamatory and pain-killing properties. I have found that it particularly useful when I have had a physical pain that has interferred with sleep. Obviously you should keep within the recommended dose and only use it when really neccessary.

I once fell off a ladder and damaged a kneecap, but there was a five hour waiting list when I got to the local Accident & Emergency dept and I didn't fancy sitting in uncomfortable conditions for that long so I asked my partner to drive me home again. I took ibruprofen, went to bed and slept reasonably well, woke up early and was driven back to the A&E to be seen immediately. The doctor told me that I'd probably done the best thing.