Ways to treat neuralgia

Unfortunately, pain is a concurrent part of our lives, which often can not be avoided. Neuralgia is a severe burning or stabbing pain occurring because of the problems in the nervous system. Even though neuralgic pain can occur in any part of the body: head, neck, and face are the most common affected areas. There are several reasons for neuralgic pain – trauma, pressure to the nerves, infections, chemical irritation, and medical conditions. Yet, the main cause is any type of damage to nerves in your body.

There are several types of neuralgia:

• Postherpetic neuralgia. This particular type of neuralgia is caused by a number of diseases including chickenpox, syphilis, as well as HIV and Lyme disease.
• Trigeminal neuralgia. Usually occurs because of the compression of the trigeminal nerve. It is characterized by a sporadic burning facial pain, which can vary in its intensity.
• Sciatic neuralgia. The reason for this type of neuralgia is the pressure to the sciatic nerve at the lower back. The painful sensation spreads from the lower back all the way down to the legs. This neuralgia can be both chronic or temporary and may or may not require treatment. Sometimes sciatica can resolve on its own.
• Intercostal neuralgia. Caused by the damage to the nerves running between the ribs and is characterized by a sharp, shooting pain in the chest.
• Occipital neuralgia is a result of the damage to the occipital nerves running from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp. It results in sharp or throbbing painful sensations at the base of the skull and in the back of the head, which are often mistaken for migraines. Other widespread symptoms are pain behind the eyes and sensitivity to light.
• Glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Characterized by severe pain in the throat, tongue, larynx, ears, and tonsils. This neuralgia is caused by the damage or compression to the glossopharyngeal nerve.

The main ways to treat neuralgia are medication and surgery. The most used medications are painkillers, anesthetic injections, antiseizure medications, narcotic analgesics, and antidepressants. There are also other ways to alleviate painful sensations and to treat neuralgia. Check, what best neurologists in NYC recommend!

1. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy and exercise can help to treat several types of neuralgia including postherpetic and sciatica. Exercises vary for different neuralgias and depend on the source and the cause of the pain. They should be prescribed by a certified physiotherapist only.

2. Hot And Cold Therapy

Hot and cold therapy is an effective way to treat many types of neuralgia, particularly sciatica. Put the ice pack on the affected area several times a day for at least 15 minutes. People with low pain barrier can circle the area instead of permanently applying it. Make sure to start cold therapy before proceeding with the heat treatment. Hot therapy can help to prevent the painful sensation. Apply the heating pad or a bottle filled with hot water to the area at leat two times a day. Alternate both therapies for better results.

3. Massage And Acupuncture

Applying pressure to the affected areas is one of the most effective ways to alleviate painful sensations. Because of this, massage and acupuncture are widely used to treat neuralgia symptoms as well as migraines and fainting conditions.

Physiotherapy and massage are not the only ways to relieve pain. There are a lot of home remedies, which can help you to improve your well-being and to reduce the symptoms of neuralgia. Look up these herbs to make your life a little bit easier.

1. Valerian Root

Mainly used for sleep disorders, this remedy is also beneficial when treating anxiety, stress, depression, muscle, joint, and nerve pain. Even though its extremely effectiveness, make sure to consult your doctor before using valerian root or any other herbal remedy, especially if you are on medication.

2. Chamomile

Due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties, chamomile is widely used to treat different types of pain including nerve and arthritic pain as well as migraines and fainting conditions. It is also a very powerful sedative, which helps to alleviate stress and depression. Brew a cup of chamomile tea before going to sleep to soothe and relax your body and mind.

3. Meadowsweet

Proven to have the same properties as aspirin, this herb is an effective nerve pain remedy. The additional benefit is the lack of side effects associated with medicinal painkillers. It also helps to reduce inflammation and battle various types of bacteria.

Take note of this information by best neurologists in NYC and consider visiting your doctor for further guidance!

Follow these recommendations from http://www.nyneurologists.com/ and stay healthy.

Hey! I’m Jessica Carter. Last year I finished Ual (University of Art London) with a specialization in Fashion Journalism. Now I live in Nyc and practice skills received there. I try writing about fashion trends for different magazines and websites.