Treatment FAQ

what is the best treatment for chronic nerve pain

by Kirstin Kunde Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

Strategies for Easing Nerve Pain

  • Walk it off. Exercise releases natural painkillers called endorphins. ...
  • Pamper your feet. If the feet are affected by nerve pain, it's time to focus on good foot care. ...
  • Soak it away. A warm bath might be the easiest -- and least expensive -- home treatment for nerve pain. ...
  • Skip happy hour. ...
  • Sleep on it. ...
  • Burn it out. ...
  • Numb it up. ...
  • Rub it out. ...
  • Meditate on it. ...

Procedures

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Neural Therapy?

  • Lymph congestion
  • Scarring and scar tissue due to surgery or injury
  • Chronic joint, muscle, and nerve pain
  • Musculoskeletal pain, including acute shoulder pain and low back pain
  • Mold toxicity
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Acne and other skin conditions
  • Gastrointestinal/digestive issues, including GERD and IBS
  • Brain fog
  • Chronic headaches and migraines

More items...

Nutrition

The various medications target different types of pain, Okoroha said. "Acetaminophen and NSAIDs are used to target the pain cascade and postoperative inflammation, respectively," he said. "Gabapentin is used to address nerve-related pain and methocarbamol [Robaxin] can control muscle cramps and spasms."

What is the best home remedy for nerve pain?

Visit a rheumatologist if you have knee pain and:

  • A family history of autoimmune diseases.
  • If it started “out of nowhere” (i.e. without trauma).
  • You have other symptoms associated with the pain. Like a fever, skin changes, digestive issues, or fatigue.
  • Flare-ups or it gets better or worse with no clear reason.
  • You’re taking medication for other underlying diseases. ...

How can neural therapy help with chronic pain?

How do you relieve nerve pain?

Which doctor should I See for chronic pain?

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What can you do for constant nerve pain?

Some neuropathic pain studies suggest the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Aleve or Motrin, may ease pain. Some people may require a stronger painkiller....Neuropathic Pain TreatmentPhysical therapy.Working with a counselor.Relaxation therapy.Massage therapy.Acupuncture.

Can chronic nerve pain be cured?

There is no single treatment to cure or prevent neuropathic pain. Early treatment is important to treat the symptoms, however. Receiving care as soon as possible may help prevent or lessen problems that often accompany neuropathy, such as depression, sleeplessness, and diminished functioning.

What is the drug of choice for nerve pain?

The main medicines recommended for neuropathic pain include: amitriptyline – also used for treatment of headaches and depression. duloxetine – also used for treatment of bladder problems and depression. pregabalin and gabapentin – also used to treat epilepsy, headaches or anxiety.

How do neurologists treat nerve pain?

Multimodal therapy (including medicines, physical therapy, psychological counseling and sometimes surgery) is usually required to treat neuropathic pain. Medicines commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain include anti-seizure drugs such as: Gabapentin (Neurontin®).

Is gabapentin a strong painkiller?

by Drugs.com Gabapentin is commonly used to treat some types of nerve pain but is classified as an anticonvulsant medicine, not as an opioid or painkiller.

Does gabapentin heal nerve damage?

In mouse study, nerve pain drug gabapentin promotes regeneration of neural circuits. Summary: Long-term treatment with gabapentin, a commonly prescribed drug for nerve pain, could help restore upper limb function after a spinal cord injury, new research in mice suggests.

What is the latest treatment for neuropathy?

The most effective treatment was nortriptyline. Of the study subjects taking this medication, 25% reported their discomfort improved by at least 50%. The least effective treatment was pregabalin: only 15% of study subjects reported that much improvement. Side effects were common with all of the treatments.

Is tramadol used for nerve pain?

Tramadol helps relieve moderate to severe levels of short-term or chronic pain. The drug may work better for nerve pain.

What is the best treatment for neuropathy?

The two main classes used for neuropathy are anticonvulsants and antidepressants.

What antidepressants are used for neuropathy?

Several types of antidepressants exist but only three are used for neuropathy. Tricyclics. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) SNRIs (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) As with anticonvulsants, you need to taper off of antidepressants rather than stopping them suddenly.

What is the name of the disease that causes numbness and tingling?

Neuropathy is disease or dysfunction in the nerves that can cause nerve pain and other abnormal sensations, such as tingling, shooting, "zinging," numbness, and weakness. 2 Pain from neuropathy is called neuropathic pain.

What is the best pain reliever for diabetics?

Capsaicin. Capsaicin, a popular OTC pain reliever, is FDA-approved for postherpetic neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy of the feet. It's available in multiple products and forms, including creams, lotions, and a film. Capsaicin-containing products include: 33.

How do antidepressants help with pain?

Antidepressants are believed to treat chronic pain much in the same way they treat depression, which is by altering the nervous system activity of certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers), receptors, and pathways involved in pain processing. Several types of antidepressants exist but only three are used for neuropathy.

Which antidepressant is FDA approved for fibromyalgia?

This class includes the only antidepressants to receive FDA approval for pain. Cymbalta (duloxetine): FDA approved for fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy 19.

Can NSAIDs help with neuropathy?

NSAIDs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs typically are not very effective at treating neuropathic pain unless inflammation is contributing to symptoms. These common painkillers are available OTC and by prescription, and they're a common add-on to other drugs for treating breakthrough pain from neuropathy.

What is the best pain reliever for a sprain?

NSAIDs are most effective for mild to moderate pain that's accompanied by swelling and inflammation. These drugs are commonly used for arthritis and pain resulting from muscle sprains, strains, back and neck injuries, or menstrual cramps.

What is the best medicine for back pain?

Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is usually recommended as a first line treatment for mild to moderate pain, such as from a skin injury, headache or musculoskeletal condition. Acetaminophen is often prescribed to help manage osteoarthritis and back pain.

What antidepressants are used for pain?

Tricyclic anti depressants used in the treatment of chronic pain include amitriptyline and nortriptyline (Pamelor). Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) that may be prescribed to relieve chronic pain include duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and milnacipran (Fetzima, Savella).

Is chronic pain a serious health condition?

Chronic pain: Medication decisions. Chronic pain can limit your quality of life and lead to additional, serious health problems. Finding effective treatment is important — as is balancing pain relief with your safety. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Chronic pain is a serious health condition.

Can chronic low back pain be treated?

The serious consequences of chronic pain make finding effective treatment a critical goal. Unfortunately, this process is complex and uniquely personal. What works for one person's chronic low back pain may not offer any relief for your osteoarthritis, for a number of reasons.

What is the best way to relieve nerve pain?

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Nerve Pain. Topical painkillers. Many over-the-counter creams and ointments are sold to relieve nerve pain. They include ingredients that work as a local anesthetic, numbing the pain in the area where you apply them. Some contain capsaicin, a painkiller derived from chili peppers.

How to get rid of nerve pain?

Eat a good diet. There's no special eating plan for nerve pain. But a well-balanced diet -- with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains -- help to ensure that you're getting the nutrients you need. Your doctor might also recommend reducing the amount of alcohol you drink -- or cutting it out entirely.

What are some good treatments for neuropathic pain?

Painkilling medicines. Some people with neuropathic pain turn to familiar over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.

What to do if you have constant pain?

If you're in constant pain, don't suffer and muddle through. Instead, get help from a doctor -- preferably an expert in treating nerve pain, like a neurologist or a pain management specialist. Together, you can come up with a treatment plan that will help you feel better.

What can help with muscle weakness?

Assistive devices. The nerve damage that causes pain can also result in muscle weakness. You might find that using assistive devices -- like canes or splints -- can make it easier to move around and reduce pain. Depending on your case, ergonomically designed chairs or desks could also bring relief. Biofeedback.

How to help with chronic pain?

Physical therapy. Nerve damage can lead to muscle weakness and wasting. Working with a physical therapist can help reverse that -- and might help reduce pain in the process. Massage. While the evidence that massage helps with chronic pain isn't clear, it has few risks.

Does acupuncture help nerve pain?

Researchers speculate that acupuncture might release chemicals that numb pain, or that it blocks the pain signals sent from the nerves. In studies of acupuncture on nerve pain specifically, results have been mixed. But given that it has few side effects, you could try it to see whether it works for you. Physical therapy.

How to help someone with nerve pain?

Meditate on it. Techniques such as guided imagery, meditation, biofeedback, and hypnosis help some people with nerve pain live better. Finding the right professional at a reasonable price can be challenging. Do your homework and ask for a referral from your doctor or someone whose advice you trust. Pagination.

How to help nerve pain in legs?

A warm bath might be the easiest -- and least expensive -- home treatment for nerve pain. Warm water temporarily increases blood flow to the legs and can help ease stress as well. Avoid burns by measuring water temperature with your arm before stepping in. Skip happy hour.

How long does it take for nerve pain to go away?

Living with nerve pain can be a long-term proposition. Some neuropathic pain gets better with treatment or on its own, but that can take months or years. Other nerve pain stays the same for years or worsens slowly. Some nerve pain can't be reversed. Your doctor can help you identify and treat neuropathic pain with the best available therapies.

How to treat nerve pain in diabetic feet?

Normal blood sugar levels are the best possible treatment for diabetic nerve pain. Walk it off. Exercise releases natural painkillers called endorphins. Exercise also promotes blood flow to the nerves in the legs and feet.

What oils can help with postherpetic neuralgia?

Some studies have shown that applying botanical oils such as geranium oil can reduce the pain of postherpetic neuralgia. Other oils, such as lavender oil, have been shown to help relax people, which may also help take the mind off nerve pain. Meditate on it.

How to get rid of burning sensation in the bedroom?

Help break the cycle with good sleep habits. Limit afternoon caffeine intake, keep a consistent bedtime that allows for eight hours of sleep, and reserve the bedroom for sleep and sex. Burn it out. Capsaicin cream, made from hot chili peppers, causes an uncomfortable burning sensation when initially applied.

Can nerve pain be reversed?

Some nerve pain can't be reversed. Your doctor can help you identify and treat neuropathic pain with the best available therapies. But there are also plenty of things you can do on your own to take care of pain.

What is the best way to relieve nerve pain?

Acupuncture. This ancient Chinese practice of sticking thin, metallic needles in specific points of the skin or body (the hand or feet, for example) can offer nerve pain relief. The needles alter the flow of energy (a.k.a. the qi) and may help release endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relievers.

How to help nerve pain?

Physical therapy . Physical therapy is a treatment of choice for dealing with chronic nerve pain. Regular sessions can provide nerve pain relief by strengthening weak areas, increasing range of motion, and teaching patients how to move to reduce discomfort. Biofeedback .

What does nerve pain feel like?

Nerve pain symptoms range from mild tingling sensations to burning to intolerable stabbing pain. A shooting pain that takes your breath away. A throbbing ache that won’t let up. Tingling fingers and toes. Nerve pain comes in various forms and can be debilitating in many ways— depression, anxiety, and infections, for example.

What causes nerve pain?

While we still don’t know all the causes of nerve pain, we do know that nerves are most often damaged by disease, injury, or the use of drugs, such as chemotherapy. According to the Foundation of Peripheral Neuropathy, 60 percent of people are afflicted with the condition as the result of diabetes, 23 percent from unknown causes, and 10 percent from chemotherapy. The remaining cases could stem from one of these culprits: 1 Autoimmune diseases 2 Brain injury 3 Cancer (or associated treatments such as chemotherapy) 4 Fibromyalgia 5 Heavy drinking 6 HIV/AIDS 7 Lyme disease 8 Medications 9 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 10 Nerve injury 11 Peripheral neuropathy 12 Poor blood supply to the nerves 13 Repetitive motion 14 Rheumatoid arthritis 15 Sciatica 16 Shingles 17 Spinal injury 18 Stroke 19 Sudden trauma (e.g., a car accident) 20 Surgery 21 Trapped nerves 22 Vitamin deficiencies, especially B12 or B1

What does it feel like to have a nerve injury?

Symptoms range from mild tingling sensations to burning to intolerable stabbing pain.

Why do my nerves hurt?

While we still don’t know all the causes of nerve pain, we do know that nerves are most often damaged by disease, injury, or the use of drugs, such as chemotherapy. According to the Foundation of Peripheral Neuropathy, 60 percent of people are afflicted with the condition as the result of diabetes, 23 percent from unknown causes, ...

How to help a numb nerve?

Creams containing lidocaine can help numb the region, but their effects are temporary. Get a massage. A small 2012 study found that having a massage (or six, weekly 60- to 75-minute massages in this case) can reduce the severity of nerve pain.

What is the best medication for neuropathic pain?

Anti-seizure medications and anticonvulsants are often used to treat neuropathic pain. Gabapentinoids are most commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain. It’s not clear why anti-seizure drugs work for this condition, but researchers believe the medications interfere with pain signals and stop faulty transmissions.

What is neuropathic pain?

Neuropathic pain is a pain condition that’s usually chronic. It’s usually caused by chronic, progressive nerve disease, and it can also occur as the result of injury or infection. If you have chronic neuropathic pain, it can flare up at any time without an obvious pain-inducing event or factor. Acute neuropathic pain, while uncommon, can occur as ...

How many people have neuropathic pain?

Neuropathic pain tends to get worse over time. About 1 in 3 Americans experience chronic pain. Of those, 1 in 5 experience neuropathic pain. A 2014 study estimated that as many as 10 percent of Americans experience some form of neuropathic pain.

How does neuropathic pain affect your life?

Neuropathic pain can negatively impact your life if you don’t take steps to treat it and prevent worsening symptoms. Over time, this can lead to serious disability and complications, including depression, problems sleeping, anxiety, and more.

Can neuropathic pain be a sign of illness?

Acute neuropathic pain, while uncommon, can occur as well. Typically, non-neuropathic pain ( nociceptive pain) is due to an injury or illness. For example, if you drop a heavy book on your foot, your nervous system sends signals of pain immediately after the book hits.

Can a back injury cause nerve damage?

Likewise, back, leg, and hip problems or injuries can cause lasting damage to nerves. While the injury may heal, the damage to the nervous system may not. As a result, you may experience persistent pain for many years after the accident. Accidents or injuries that affect the spine can cause neuropathic pain, too.

Can a physical therapist help with neuropathic pain?

For example, some people with neuropathic pain may experience increased symptoms after sitting for several hours. This might make desk jobs difficult to perform. A physical therapist or occupational therapist can teach you techniques for sitting, stretching, standing, and moving to prevent pain.

What herbs help with nerve pain?

Turmeric and Ginger. These two powerful herbs—turmeric and ginger— tend to go hand-in-hand. Ginger has been shown to help with pain because it has phytochemicals. These can stop inflammation right in its path, which is perfect for those suffering from nerve pain.

What is a nervine used for?

It’s used as an anti convulsion, anti-spasmodic, and a relaxing nervine.

What causes neuropathy in Chinese skullcap?

Conclusion. The causes behind chronic neuropathy depend on the person. Sometimes, there’s no obvious cause behind it. Other times, alcoholism, diabetes, shingles, a damaged or swollen sciatic nerve, surgery, or thyroid problems are what cause the symptoms.

Does turmeric help with arthritis?

Turmeric has been the spice of life for years, as it’s used to treat heartburn, arthritis, and inflammation. While experts can’t exactly pinpoint how turmeric fights pain and inflammation, they imagine it has something to do with curcumin, a chemical it contains, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Can neuropathy come and go?

The severity depends on the individual person. Sometimes, peripheral neuropathy will be constant and relentless and, at other times, it can come and go. However, pain relief is a constant need for most. The causes behind chronic neuropathy depend on the person. Sometimes, there’s no obvious cause behind it.

Is Nerve Renew a good pain reliever?

With several clinical studies to back it up, Nerve Renew is a great option for those looking to naturally treat their chronic pain. However, it doesn’t just treat pain—it helps prevent it.

Does a saline solution help with headaches?

For centuries, it’s been used to tackle all kinds of aches: toothaches, stomach aches, and headaches. However, it’s recently been discovered that it can help with migraines and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other painful ailments.

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Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Acetaminophen

COX-2 Inhibitors

Antidepressants and Anti-Seizure Medications

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment aims at reducing symptoms and treating underlying diseases, if any. The following medications have been recommended for treating neuropathy.
Medication

Antidepressants: Relieves pain.

Amitriptyline . Imipramine . Desipramine


Anticonvulsants: Reduces symptoms.

Pregabalin . Gabapentin . Carbamazepine . Lamotrigine


Topical medications: Muscle relaxants, helps in reducing the pain.

Capsaicin . Lidocaine


Antidiabetics: Antidiabetic drugs may be prescribed in case of diabetic neuropathy.

Metformin

Procedures

General surgery: Surgery may be recommended to remove tumors pressing against the nerves.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Have a healthy and nutritious diet
  • Vitamin B12 rich foods

Foods to avoid:

  • Alcohol
  • Avoid sugary foods

Specialist to consult

Neurologist
Specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system, which includes the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves.

Opioids

  • NSAIDsare most effective for mild to moderate pain that's accompanied by swelling and inflammation. These drugs are commonly used for arthritis and pain resulting from muscle sprains, strains, back and neck injuries, or menstrual cramps. 1. Generic (brand) names.Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others); naproxen sodium (Aleve); others 2. How they work. NSAIDs work by inh…
See more on mayoclinic.org

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