How to Treat Nerve Pain & Numbness

Nerve pain, also called neuralgia, is a pain that occurs along nerve pathways that can also cause weakness and numbness. Typically, neuralgia can be caused by medication, infection and pressure on the nerves from trauma or tumors. The focus of treatment is directed at the root cause of the nerve problem, if it can be found, and helping to relieve the symptoms, such as pain and numbness.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Topical cream

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Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment with your doctor. If you are suffering from nerve pain and numbness, you must notify your doctor so an attempt to find the cause can be made. Nerve pain can be a symptom of a serious problem and it's best to have it checked as soon as possible.

• 2

  Take appropriate medications. Over-the-counter pain and inflammation medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help alleviate the nerve pain and help make you more comfortable. Use any medications your doctor may prescribe for you. These can include prescription painkillers and antidepressants, which also help to reduce pain.

• 3

  Try a topical cream containing capsaicin. There are several over-the-counter options that will help to alleviate the pain associated with neuralgia. It is believed that capsaicin topical creams reduce pain related to neuralgia by reducing a substance responsible for transmitting pain in the body. Use as directed on the package for safety.

• 4

  Try physical therapy. Helpful for some patients, physical therapy can help to reduce the numbness associated with neuralgia by increasing blood flow to the affected area. Physical therapy also can reduce pain by reducing inflammation and creating flexibility and mobility.

• 5

  Consider surgical options. If pain continues to be severe and interferes with daily life, speak to your doctor about surgical options. There are injections which can be given to block the pain along the nerve, as well as surgical procedures such as ablation. All surgical options should be carefully considered and discussed with your physician.