Nerve pain tends to worsen over time. What was once bearable pain can suddenly become unbearable. Sometimes, what used to work no longer masks the pain, and this can be frustrating. Even doctors have to continuously change prescriptions because some drugs become ineffective after some time. SmartEm.org appreciates the challenges in the management of nerve pain and tries to find ways to help patients cope throughout the process.
Over the counter treatments
If you are experiencing mild nerve pain, you can easily manage it with over the counter treatments. Options available include topical painkillers, supplements, and painkilling medicines.
It is natural to request for over-the-counter painkillers, like ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen when you are experiencing neuropathic pain. While these drugs may dull mild pain, they may not be as effective on intense nerve pain.
The danger of turning to over-the-counter painkillers is that it is easy to become dependent on them. Dependency on such drugs can easily turn into an addiction. So, if you find yourself taking pain medication for more than ten days, it is best to seek help from your doctor.
Topical painkillers are a safe option because there is no risk of addiction. You also get to apply it in the area where you need relief. Most topical creams for nerve pain capsaicin, a natural painkilling component found in pepper. Others contain botanical oils that are effective for pain relief.
Try non-conventional treatment options.
Although many people still turn to traditional medical treatments for nerve pain, some are willing to try out holistic approaches that seem to be just as effective on neuropathy. There are several options you can consider, especially if you have not been lucky enough to find a treatment that has provided a lasting solution.
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment, has proven helpful for different kinds of pain. This treatment is often favoured because it has no side effects or risks of dependency, as is the case with pain medicines. During acupuncture, chemicals are released to numb nerve pain. Some researchers believe that the effect is not necessarily on the pain, but it blocks pain signals the affected nerves send to the brain.
You can also opt to visit a therapist for a physio. Physical therapy is believed to help with muscle weakness and wasting, which is a common side effect of degenerating nerves. Physical therapy may not necessarily target nerve pain, but it helps you to prevent muscle wastage.
You can also include massages in your list of self-care because this will help relieve any muscle tightness that may result in muscle spasms. When you are experiencing nerve pain, you don’t want the situation to worsen because of muscle spasms.
Visit a nutritionist for an ideal meal plan.
In many instances, nerve pain treatments work best when lifestyle changes are made. These changes will include your diet, habits, and exercise regimen. Doctors believe that some nerve damage could be as a result of a deficiency of vitamin B12 from the diet.
While taking supplements rich in vitamin B12 is a great idea, you should also take in foods that promote good nerve health. A nutritionist will guide you on how you can use your diet to help you reduce the pain frequency and intensity.
As you change your feeding habits, you need to incorporate other lifestyle changes too. Otherwise, your efforts to change your diet will be counterproductive. Ensure you exercise regularly and let go of habits, such as smoking. Smoking has an impact on the amount of blood reaching the nerves. This often worsens the pain.
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Seek treatment for underlying conditions
Medical conditions like diabetes, Fabry’s disease, trauma, celiac disease and HIV can lead to nerve damage. Nerve pain can also sometimes be as a result of chemotherapy or a side effect of some of the drugs you are using.
Some HIV drugs tend to affect the nerves, so if you are on any drugs, and you start experiencing nerve pain, you need to see your doctor. Toxins resulting from heavy alcohol use can also lead to nerve pain, so it is best to let go of this habit or find a solution to help you overcome your drinking addiction. A lot of help is available to help you cope with nerve pain. All you need to do is reach out and ask for assistance, and some of the solutions offered will help you cope and even enjoy your life. It is important to appreciate that when it comes to nerve pain management, there is no specific solution. You will have to keep trying the various options until you get one that works for you.
