This blogpost will discuss how to relieve neuropathic pain naturally as well as ways to treat it with medication, such as neuropathy pain relief cream. It can be very important to take medication at night time, as sometimes that is why neuropathy is worse at night. Neuropathy is a disease that affects the nerves, causing pain and loss of function. It can be caused by diabetes or other conditions like alcohol abuse or an autoimmune disorder. There are many natural remedies for neuropathy, but they can also be treated with prescription drugs like Lyrica. This blog post will discuss how to relieve neuropathic pain naturally as well as ways to treat it with medication.
What is neuropathy pain
This blog post will discuss how to relieve neuropathic pain naturally as well as ways to treat it with medication.
Neuropathy Symptoms: Different people experience different symptoms from this condition depending on its cause and severity, such as one-sided limb numbness often starting in the toes and moving upward, difficulty walking due to loss of balance control (ataxia), tingling, burning, or pain.
How to assess neuropathy pain
The list of tests include:
- Blood tests. Neuropathy can be detected by testing the electrical activity of your nerves. Vitamin insufficiency, diabetes, aberrant immune function, and other causes of peripheral neuropathy might all be diagnosed using these procedures.
- Imaging tests. A non-invasive or invasive test, such as an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, may be done to look for herniated disks, pinched nerves (compressed), tumours, and other abnormalities affecting the blood vessels and bones.
- Nerve function tests. A doctor’s wand sends an electrical impulse to your arm’s nerves during the test. The EMG activity is determined by placing a tiny needle (electrode) into your muscles and recording muscular movement as you strain them. Simultaneously, an EMG technician or your doctor does an electromyogram to determine whether you have nerve damage. A low electric current is applied to the skin, which excites the nerves. Your doctor will observe your nerves’ reactions to the electricity.
- Other nerve function tests. An autonomic reflex screen, for example, may measure autonomic nerve fibres functioning, a sweat test to assess your body’s ability to sweat, and sensation tests to evaluate touch, vibration, cooling, and heat.
- Nerve biopsy. A needle may be inserted into a nerve to remove a tiny piece of it for inspection.
- Skin biopsy. The doctor removes a tiny piece of skin to see whether nerve endings have decreased.
How to relieve neuropathy pain
Prescription medicines
Medications used to treat symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, as well as those taken to eliminate the effects of peripheral neuropathy on a wider scale, include:
- Analgesic drugs. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, may help with mild symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication for more severe ones.
- Opioid-based drugs. Because these medications may cause physical and psychological dependence and addiction, they are generally not given unless all other therapies have failed.
- Anti-seizure drugs. The drug gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin, Horizant), which is used to treat epilepsy, and the antiepileptic pregabalin (Lyrica) can help with nerve discomfort. Drowsiness and dizziness are possible side effects of Gabapentin and Tramadol.
- Topical solutions. It’s possible that capsaicin cream, which is made with a chemical found in hot peppers, may help with peripheral neuropathy symptoms somewhat. When you apply the ointment, it might cause burning and stinging sensations in your skin. However, this usually goes away with time. Some people, on the other hand, are allergic to it.
- Lidocaine patches. IBD sufferers have reported feeling better knowing that their symptoms were relieved by patching it to their skin. The patch may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and numbness in the area where it is applied.
- Antidepressants. The painkilling effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) have been studied extensively, and certain tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and nortriptyline have been found to aid in the alleviation of pain by disrupting chemical processes in your brain and spinal cord that cause you to feel discomfort.
- The serotonin and norepinephrine. If you’re taking duloxetine to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy, it’s worth noting that this is a type-II anti-reuptake inhibitor (ARI), which works by preventing the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Other ARIs include milnacipran, trazodone, and vortioxetine; they act similarly but have different dosage ranges. Venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine are extended-release antidepressants that also might help with pain owing to diabetes. Dry mouth, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, changes in appetite, weight gain, and constipation are all common side effects of antidepressants.
Treatment options
Peripheral neuropathy is a disease that causes numbness and tingling in the extremities. Many therapies and treatments may be used to alleviate the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS therapy is a type of electrical nerve stimulation that involves the use of electrodes to deliver a low-intensity, constant electric current at varying frequencies. For about a month, TENS should be used every day for 30 minutes.
- Plasma exchange and intravenous immune globulin. Certain inflammatory illnesses, such as those that result from rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases, might benefit from these techniques that assist to dampen immune system function. The procedure for removing your blood, purifying it, and returning it to your body is known as plasma exchange. You undergo immune globulin treatment in which you receive a lot of proteins that function as antibodies (immunoglobulins).
- Physical treatment. Physical treatment can assist you in regaining strength and function if you have a muscular weakness. Hand or foot braces, a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair may all be required.
- Surgery. If you have neuropathy as a result of pressure on nerves, such as from tumours, you may require surgery to alleviate the strain.
Takeaway
If you have neuropathy pain, it is important to find a treatment that will not only relieve your discomfort but also reduce the chances of long-term effects on your health. There are many treatments for neuropathic pain and each one affects people in various ways. It’s best to consult with a physician who specialises in this area before attempting any self-treatment options at home or elsewhere. A common symptom of severe neuropathies is difficulty walking which can lead to falls and other injuries if left untreated. Neuropathy symptoms may worsen over time without intervention so make sure you get help from an expert.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
