What is the Best Therapy For Nerve Pain?
Nerve pain is one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses, affecting millions of Americans. While it can be debilitating and disrupt daily activities, there are treatments available to help manage nerve pain.
Your doctor’s first priority will be to identify what caused the nerve pain in the first place. This will enable them to suggest targeted treatments that target the source of discomfort and provide lasting relief.
Treatment for neuropathic pain may involve medication, physical therapy and alternative methods. Each therapy has different results and may be more successful for some individuals than others.
Some of the most popular and effective therapies for nerve pain include:
Drugs can be an effective part of a treatment plan to alleviate neuropathic pain. Common medications prescribed for this condition include anticonvulsants, antidepressants and narcotics.
These drugs, originally developed for epilepsy, have also been demonstrated to reduce pain and other symptoms associated with neuropathy.
Other painkillers that can effectively relieve nerve pain include acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen.
These medicines can be effective for neuropathic pain, but should not be taken on a regular basis as they may lead to addiction. Opiates are another painkiller that may help reduce the intensity of the discomfort experienced due to neuropathic pain.
Exercising has numerous health benefits and can reduce nerve pain. It boosts circulation to your muscles and joints, as well as decreasing inflammation.
Exercise can also help to relax the mind, which is beneficial when managing pain. The key is finding a program that works best for you and following it regularly.
Eating a wide variety of foods can be beneficial for nerve pain. This is especially true if you are deficient in certain nutrients like vitamin B12.
Herbs can also be an effective option for treating nerve pain. Ginkgo biloba has long been known to be successful at treating neuropathic pain in animals.
Take a warm bath as another natural treatment for neuropathic pain. Infusing essential oils like lavender into the water can further enhance its relaxing effects.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections from your blood can be an effective treatment for neuropathic and nociceptive pain. These platelets contain growth factors and other proteins which promote healing at the site of injury.
Other treatments for neuropathic pain include physical therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). With physical therapy, patients learn exercises customized specifically to reduce pain through customized exercises.
Surgery may be necessary in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves and reduce pain. Your doctor can advise the best course of action for you based on your individual condition and symptoms.
Applying gentle massage techniques can help alleviate neuropathic pain by stimulating the nerves that supply the affected area with blood and oxygen. Receiving a massage is both relaxing and stress relieving, both of which may contribute to nerve pain symptoms.
