The base of my throat has been sore for a few days now. only painkillers makes it go away and only for a short time. what is the issue?

Impossible : To tell not seeing your throat. Make more sense to use Antiinflamatory Medications as Advil or Motrin. And gargle the mouth with listerine. May be it's just common cold.

Did you see the GP: Sore throat not settling might need further assessment. If it does not settle in a week time you better check with your doctor to be assessed and to have throat swab done as needed.

Sore throat : If sore throat doesn't resolve over few days then GP visit for examination and theist swab would be recommended.