Treatment FAQ

what treatment is available for nerve damage

by Prof. Chadrick Christiansen Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Potential treatments may include:

  • surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve
  • better control of blood sugar levels in people with diabetes-caused neuralgia
  • physical therapy
  • nerve block, which is an injection directed at a particular nerve or nerve group and that is intended to “turn off” pain signals and reduce inflammation
  • medications to relieve the 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®).Dec 7, 2020

Full Answer

What is the first goal of treatment for nerve damage?

Nerve damage can be progressive, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as symptoms appear. At PMIR Medical Center, the first goal of treatment is to address the underlying condition causing nerve damage. For example, if you have neuropathy caused by diabetes, it’s essential to learn to control your blood sugar.

What are natural remedies for nerve damage?

Natural remedies to heal nerve damage and reduce pain

  • Eat one serving of fish daily. Fish such as salmon, sardines and black cod are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which researchers say could prevent and treat nerve damage.
  • Lion's Mane Mushroom. ...
  • The ancient art of acupuncture. ...
  • Light exercises. ...

Does nerve pain get better with treatment?

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.

What is the natural cure for nerves?

  • Relaxation Room — When something is making you stressed, like work or conflict, you may benefit from a relaxation room. ...
  • Extra Hydration/Water Therapy — Dehydration can seriously affect your health for the worse. ...
  • Exercise — Exercising is a very effective home treatment strategy for anxiety. ...

More items...

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What is the best treatment for damaged nerves?

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.

Is there a cure for severe nerve damage?

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 kind of doctor treats nerve damage?

Neurologists are specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. Neurological conditions include epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease. Dr.

Can nerve damage be repaired?

Sometimes a section of a nerve is cut completely or damaged beyond repair. Your surgeon can remove the damaged section and reconnect healthy nerve ends (nerve repair) or implant a piece of nerve from another part of your body (nerve graft). These procedures can help your nerves regrow.

How long does it take for a nerve to heal?

How long damaged nerves take to heal is variable, depending on the type of injury and where along the nerve the injury occurs. Peripheral nerves regenerate and heal at approximately 1 mm/day. A more mild injury can recover within days to weeks, but severe injury that requires regeneration of all layers of the nerve can take months to years to reach maximum improvement. —Dr. Karen Hoerst

How do you know if your nerves are healing?

If you have weakness that is getting better, this obviously means there has been improvement. However, other signs that may indicate improvement are less clear. For example, if you had no sensation to a part of the body, but then experience mild pain or tingling, this might be a sign that the nerves are starting to send signals and are healing. —Dr. Hoerst

How to tell if a nerve is damaged?

Symptoms of peripheral nerve damage depend on the severity of the injury and the type and location of the nerve injured. Some signs of nerve damage include: 1 Burning 2 Tingling 3 Pins-and-needles sensation 4 Numbness 5 Sensitivity to touch 6 Weakness

What are the two nervous systems?

The body has two nervous systems: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord and extend to other parts of your body (your arms, legs, face, chest, and abdomen to name a few). Nerve damage generally refers to the peripheral nervous system.

What is the nerve that sends information to the brain?

Symptom Checker. Nerves are bundles of fibers covered by insulation (similar to an electrical cable) that send information from the brain to the spinal cord and then to the rest of your body, and from your body back to the spinal cord and brain. Nerves can be damaged in an injury.

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

It can take weeks to months for this to improve. —Dr. Hoerst.

What is the main part of the nervous system that controls involuntary movement?

Nerve damage generally refers to the peripheral nervous system. There are two main parts of the peripheral nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movement, and the autonomic nervous system controls involuntary activity.

How to repair a nerve?

In the meantime, you can try taking NSAID pain relievers and going to physical therapy. For moderate nerve damage, you could get a steroid injection to numb your nerves and help your body heal.

What to do if you have a pinched nerve?

Try physical therapy. If a nerve was pinched, rather than severed, physical therapy (PT) is often used to repair the damage and increase strength and mobility. Check if your doctor will prescribe physical therapy. Some insurance companies will not cover PT.

What test can be done to determine nerve damage?

Undergo electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction tests. These tests may find the location of the nerve damage and its severity. Your doctor may also prescribe a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test. Some of these tests, like an EMG can be done at your general practitioners.

How to get your nerves to feel better?

4. Engage in nerve “re-education” therapy. The nerves may need to be re-trained with this special type of physical therapy. This re-education therapy is generally completed in two stages: “early” and “late.”. It is the process of “tuning” your nerves into feeling sensations normally.

What diseases can cause nerve damage?

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have a disease that can cause nerve damage.These diseases may include diabetes, cancer, alcoholism, or an autoimmune disease. Nerve damage should be included in the treatment plan for these conditions. ...

How long does nerve pain last after surgery?

Criteria for surgery include symptoms of radiculopathy, evidence of nerve root compression on an MRI, persistent nerve pain last longer than six weeks, and progressive motor weakness.

Why do nerves hurt?

Nerve damage can occur because of autoimmune diseases, motor neuron diseases, cancer, infection, or diabetes. It can also be caused by acute or progressive injuries, or nutritional deficiencies. Treatments will vary depending upon if the nerve was compressed, partially injured, or entirely severed.

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What Is The Best Treatment For Damaged Nerves -Why are medications not really helping patients with neuropathy ?

What is the best medication for nerve pain?

Antidepressants: Certain types of antidepressants also help to control nerve pain. They may have a synergistic effect in people who experience depression along with chronic pain. Chronic pain often causes depression, and depression can intensify a person's sensitivity to pain; some antidepressants address both. There are three options: 1 Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor). These drugs are prescribed for pain at doses lower than are effective for depression. 2 Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor). SNRIs have fewer side effects than tricyclics, although some research suggests they may be less effective. 3 Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), are the most commonly prescribed medications for depression. Some doctors may try these for treating nerve pain, too, but the evidence for effective pain relief is mixed.

What is the best treatment for chronic pain?

For chronic muscle and joint pain, effective therapies include rest, ice and heat, anti-inflammatory medications, and time. Usually, the pain calms down and you feel better. However, muscle and joints may be only part of the picture.

How long does it take for a nerve pain medication to kick in?

It takes about three to four weeks for the full effect to kick in. Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and gradually increase it. That reduces side effects. Antidepressants: Certain types of antidepressants also help to control nerve pain.

What antidepressants are used for pain?

There are three options: Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor). These drugs are prescribed for pain at doses lower than are effective ...

What is the difference between neuropathic and nociceptive pain?

Types of pain: Nociceptive vs. neuropathic. Nociceptive (body) pain comes from damaged tissues outside the nervous system, such as muscles and joints. People say the pain feels aching and throbbing. Neuropathic (nerve) pain comes from the nerves that transmit pain signals from the body to the brain. People describe the pain as burning, stinging, ...

What causes a neuropathic pain?

One of the most common causes is diabetes, although it can also be brought on by injury, infection, and some medications.

Can pain relievers be used long term?

Narcotic pain relievers don' t often help and even when they do, they should not be used as a long term solution. Fortunately there are other options. Certain drugs that were originally developed to treat depression and seizure disorders also damp down inappropriate or excessive pain signaling in the nerves.

What is the procedure to remove a nerve?

Nerve biopsy. This involves removing a small portion of a nerve, usually a sensory nerve, to look for abnormalities. Skin biopsy. Your doctor removes a small portion of skin to look for a reduction in nerve endings.

How to prevent neuropathy in feet?

Cigarette smoking can affect circulation, increasing the risk of foot problems and other neuropathy complications. Eat healthy meals. Good nutrition is especially important to ensure that you get essential vitamins and minerals. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein in your diet.

What tests can detect peripheral neuropathy?

Blood tests. These can detect vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, abnormal immune function and other indications of conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy. Imaging tests. CT or MRI scans can look for herniated disks, pinched (compressed) nerves, tumors or other abnormalities affecting the blood vessels and bones. Nerve function tests.

Can capsaicin cream cause neuropathy?

You might have skin burning and irritation where you apply the cream, but this usually lessens over time. Some people, however, can't tolerate it.

What are nerves?

Nerves are made up of fibers, called axons. Axons are covered with tissues that act as insulation. When these fibers are injured or damaged, Peripheral Nerve Damage can take place.

What are the symptoms of nerve damage?

Nerves that are more likely to be damaged are those in your arms, feet, and hands, though much of your body could be affected and cause uncomfortable or even painful sensations.

7 Treatments for Nerve Damage in Your Feet

Lifestyle changes won’t cure nerve pain, but changes can make you feel better and work to reduce any nerve pain you are suffering from. The specialists at Metro Tulsa Foot and Ankle Specialists suggest that you start by eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in B vitamins.

What can I do at home to care for Neuropathy?

If you have Neuropathy, it is extremely important to take good care of your feet so that you lower your risk for developing sores or infections.

How can Metro Tulsa Foot and Ankle Specialists help me?

When you suffer from nerve pain, mobility is difficult. Nerve pain can be debilitating and cause unnecessary problems. If you would like to get relief today, request an appointment. We are here to help!

What is the best way to treat nerve pain?

These include medicines, like prescription pain relievers or anticonvulsants and antidepressants, as well as electrical stimulation and other techniques.

How to treat nerve pain?

Other Treatments for Nerve Pain 1 TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is one example of this approach. A small device sends a mild electric current through your skin. While TENS is simple and painless, the evidence that it helps with nerve pain is mixed. However, recent studies do seem to show that it can help with diabetic nerve pain, so the American Academy of Neurology does recommend it. 2 PENS (percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation ) -- also called electroacupuncture -- delivers electrical stimulation to the nerves through acupuncture needles. The American Academy of Neurology deems this probably effective in treating diabetic nerve pain, but the treatment is not widely available. 3 rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) uses magnets to send electrical impulses into the brain. While evidence is limited, studies suggest that PENS and rTMS may help with nerve pain.

What is the best treatment for neuropathic pain?

Antidepressants. Along with anticonvulsants, certain types of antidepressants can be the first choice for treating neuropathic pain. Nerve pain specialists often recommend two major types. Tricyclic antidepressants have been used for decades.

What to do if you have nerve pain and treatment isn't working?

So, if you're suffering with nerve pain and treatment isn't helping enough, don't give up hope. Instead, go back to your doctor and come up with a new approach.

How does nerve pain work?

Some treatments for nerve pain work by sending out their own electrical impulses. These charges seem to interrupt or block the pain signals, reducing the pain you feel.

Can antidepressants help with nerve pain?

Using antidepressants for nerve pain can have an added benefit, considering that chronic pain often coincides with depression. Chronic pain can make a person depressed, and depression can often make the experience of chronic pain seem worse. So these drugs might help improve your mood, as well as ease your discomfort.

Can nerve pain be controlled?

Nerve pain can be hard to control. Some studies suggest that many people with nerve pain are not getting sufficient pain relief. However, that doesn't mean you have to accept a life in pain. Experts believe that many of those people in pain could be helped. It's just that they aren't getting the proper treatment.

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