How to Manage Neuralgia

Neuralgia is just a fancy term for nerve irritation and pain. It can be caused by inflammation, diabetes or even chemotherapy. Neuralgia can be tricky to diagnose, as it can occur anywhere in the body (anywhere there are nerves). It is not life limiting, but it is chronic in nature. Neuralgia comes in many forms such as Post-Herpetic Neuralgia; the subsequent pain after a herpes outbreak, or Trigeminal Neuralgia, which is a painful inflammation of the major nerves in your facial area. Neuralgia is a form of chronic pain, which can be life altering. Nerve related pains are usually described as burning or stabbing pains. Some describe it like a ‘lightening bolt’ sensation. The pain does not have to be constant and can change in severity from one moment to the next. Discuss your many treatment options with your physician and pick one that fits you and your lifestyle the best.

Instructions

• 1

  Isolate the cause of your neuralgia. Do you suffer from herpes outbreaks? Are you diabetic? These are two of the major instigators for causing neuralgia. Once your physician isolates the cause, he can then tailor your treatment to stop further nerve damage.

• 2

  Consider your options. Non-medicine treatments are available, but their efficacy has yet to be scientifically established. You may want to consider acupuncture as an adjunct treatment, or consult a natural remedies physician, who can assist you in an herbal regimen to decrease inflammation throughout your body.

• 3

  Change your diet. Dietary changes are also a non-pharmaceutical choice to assist in managing your neuralgia. There is a fatty sheath covering your nerves; it is this sheath that becomes irritated and sends the painful signals. Assistance from a nutritionist could help you alter your diet to slightly increase your carbohydrates and proteins to speed up the repair process of your nerves.

• 4

  Use painkillers. Topical painkillers are a popular choice for neuralgia, especially for those suffering from post-herpetic neuralgias. Over the counter or prescription, there are a multitude of creams and preparations specifically made to numb the outer layer of skin and therefore decrease the topical pain sensation. In some severe cases, there are prescription patches available. You apply these directly to the painful site, and the medication is slowly released deep into the skin. Discuss your topical options with your physician so she can help you choose.

• 5

  Get a prescription. Many neuralgias respond well to prescription medications. Based on your medical history, your physician will be able to assist you in starting on the correct pill. Many physicians choose medications that are anti-convulsants (Phenytoin or Gabapentin) or anti-depressants. All of these medications, although originally intended to treat something else, travel along your nerve sheaths soothing and relieving irritation and inflammation.