What Can I do If I am Experiencing Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, is different from other kinds of pain. It is unexpected, stabbing, and sometimes feels like a burning sensation that occurs suddenly, out of knowhere. Nerve pain can be a result of an illness, diabetic disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, or an injury to the spinal cord, brain, or a nerve. Fortunately, there are several solutions to nerve pain, and neuropathycure.org has a list of remedies to help you cope. 

Identify the symptoms and possible cause of the nerve pain

Symptoms of possible nerve damage vary from one person to the next. For some people, a naturally painless situation, such as lightly rubbing your arm on a surface, suddenly becomes unbearable.

Besides the unexpected pain, nerve damage also has some symptoms that you may overlook, but you shouldn’t. They include numbness, prickling and tingling sensations, as well as a loss of normal reflexes. In some cases, the symptoms are more severe. They include paralysis, difficulty in breathing, and indigestion.

Confirm you are indeed experiencing nerve pain

Nerve pain is sometimes difficult to diagnose, but it is vital to have your suspicions confirmed immediately. You can easily identify nerve pain if you have a known condition, like HIV, cancer or diabetes. It is much more challenging to tell if the trigger is unknown.

Visit a doctor if you suspect you have nerve pain. A neurological exam, including lab tests, a CT scan or MRI may be necessary, depending on location and the severity of the pain. In some cases, the doctor may feel a biopsy is needed to examine the nerve endings further.

Treatment Options for nerve pain

Once the doctor has ascertained the cause of your nerve pain, it will be easier to recommend targeted treatment. If there are underlying ailments behind the pain, the best option is to treat the condition. Otherwise, treating nerve pain without tackling the disease may be counterproductive. 

It is, however, essential to note that treating the underlying ailment may not provide relief for the nerve pain, even if the disease is the cause of the pain. You will still need to get treatment for nerve pain separately. When deciding the best treatment option, the doctor will look at your overall health, the potential side effects of each treatment option, the cost, and the possible impact of the treatment on preexisting conditions. 

The primary treatment options for nerve pain include;

• Topical treatments

Some of these treatments are sold over the counter while others can only be given if you have a prescription. Topical creams, lotions, patches, and gels work best if the nerve pain is isolated. If you cannot tell the origin or specific area on your skin that is painful, this treatment may not be the ideal. 

• Antidepressants

Some antidepressants are effective for nerve pain, especially those associated with diabetes. These drugs are often combined with anticonvulsants to reduce the pain and provide relief quickly. It is, however, best to get your doctor’s approval before using this treatment.

• Lifestyle changes

If you are not comfortable using conventional medicine, you can try alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and massage. Before seeking food supplements targeting nerve pain, you should discuss it with your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to ingest the dietary supplements, especially if you are already on medication.

• Seek holistic treatments

You shouldn’t worry about trying alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and massage. However, before going for holistic treatment, especially if food supplements targeting nerve pain is an option you are considering, you and your doctor should discuss the alternatives to ensure you remain safe. This is especially critical if you are already on medication. In some cases, you can combine holistic treatment with conventional medicine for better results. 

• Invasive surgical treatments

Nerves that have been affected significantly by an injury or ailment may require extreme measures, such as the use of injections and surgical intervention. These solutions are not commonly used but are a final resort if it is the only way to numb the pain. 

• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medicine

If the pain is unbearable, you should first take some painkillers, primarily if the pain is associated with cancer. Nerve pain associated with other causes is often treated using anti-inflammatories. Most of the pain medication for moderate to severe nerve pain cannot be purchased over the counter since you need a prescription for stronger pain medication.

Although it is natural to become overwhelmed when you discover you are experiencing nerve, not muscle, pain. However, if you seek treatment early, you will feel better quickly, and even save yourself from more pain since nerve pain worsens with age.