Some people have been dealing with nerve pain for many years. Some neuropathic pain can improve with treatment while others get better on their own but usually takes many months or years. Other types of nerve pain remain the same for years, while others worsen over time. Unfortunately, other kinds of nerve pain are irreversible.
You can talk to your doctor to help you determine the causes of your nerve pain and find immediate treatment. There are also some things you can do to reduce nerve pain in your body.
Chapter Overview
Causes Of Nerve Pain
Nerve pain is caused by nerve damage, which is usually triggered by several medical conditions including injuries, side effects from chemotherapy or drugs, or diabetes. Damaged nerves usually send pain signals to the brain even when there’s no cause for pain. A damaged nerve can also place you at risk for serious health problems including foot infections.
Other causes of nerve pain still largely remain a mystery. However, some causes have been identified, which has paved way for treatments that can help sufferers.
However, many people still experience pain despite medical efforts. Others have looked for treatments beyond conventional medicine. Many sufferers claim to have looked at alternative approaches to reduce pain. This helpful site has proposed a possible way to relieve nerve pain for some people.
Ways To Reduce Nerve Pain
Aside from pain relief, there have been various home treatments discovered to protect overall health and reduce the possibility of more serious pain. Some of these methods are even found to boost the body’s natural painkillers. Here are some things you can do:
1. Manage Diabetes
If you suffer from diabetes, it’s best to manage your blood sugar and keep it normal. This is usually the best treatment for diabetic nerve pain.
2. Do Daily Walking
Exercise allows the body to produce endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. It is also known to improve blood flow to different parts of the body including the nerves in your legs and feet. Regular exercise is said to produce long-term expansion in blood vessels in the feet, which is said to help treat damaged nerves. You can start with short daily walks, then gradually increasing distance and pace.
3. Observe A Good Sleep Routine
It can be difficult to cope with pain especially at night when nerve pain typically worsens. However, you can avoid this if you practice good sleep hygiene. Consider having a consistent bedtime routine that allows you to have eight hours of sleep. Also, try limiting your caffeine intake to get a good night’s slumber.
4. Indulge Your Feet
If your feet are affected by nerve pain, you may want to consider following the steps to excellent foot care. Nerve pain is usually linked to impaired sensation, which increases the risk of infections and injuries. You can reduce these risks by checking your feet daily, talking to a podiatrist, and wearing comfortable shoes. No injury or wound is too little to warrant a checkup with the doctor.
5. Take Warm Foot Baths
Giving your feet a warm bath is usually the easiest and most affordable home treatment for nerve pain. Warm water will temporarily improve blood flow into your legs to help ease pain and stress, too. You can avoid getting burned by checking the water temperature first before putting your feet in.
6. Reduce Alcohol Intake
Too much alcohol in the body can be toxic to the nerves, which can worsen nerve pain. Although there’s no definite amount of alcoholic beverages allowed to avoid nerve pain, some doctors advise getting four drinks per week at most.
7. Try Capsaicin Cream
Because it’s made from chili peppers, it causes a burning sensation when applied. Other people who already have a painful condition find this feeling intolerable. However, those who continue using capsaicin cream for weeks, usually report an improvement in their nerve pain, including less burning sensation.
8. Use Topical Lidocaine
This anesthetic can come in different OTC preparations including ointment, gel, or patches. Many people report that lidocaine provides a satisfying but temporary relief.
9. Meditate
You can use techniques such as self-hypnosis or meditation to minimize pain. Ask your doctor or someone you trust for a referral.
10. Use Rubbing Oil
Botanical oils such as geranium oil can help minimize pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia. There are other oils like lavender oil, which can help you relax and take your mind off your pain.
Final Thoughts
Nerve pain is a symptom of different medical conditions including shingles, diabetes, HIV, or cancer. It can be frustrating to live with nerve pain. Try the given tips known to reduce pain and live a more comfortable life. Most importantly, consult your physician to prevent the pain from worsening. In some cases, you would be advised to undergo electrotherapy. It can also be done at home, best with a supervision of a medical assistant, a good reason why you should invest in chattanooga electrotherapy machine.