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Everything You Need To Know About Nerve Pain

Everything you need to know about nerve pain
Nerve pain can be the result of several health conditions, including diabetes, HIV, shingles, and cancer. For some people, nerve pain can be quite frustrating while for others it can be life-changing and devastating.

Nerve pain can feel like sudden shocks of electricity, burning, or pinpricks. It can disrupt an individual’s day-to-day life and also limit his/her ability to function normally. As per research, people suffering from nerve pain are at a higher risk of suffering from depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.

Everything You Need To Know About Nerve Pain

Below is some information about the causes of nerve pain, its symptoms, and more.

What causes nerve pain?
A number of nerves in the body convey various sensations to the brain, including pain. Although none likes pain, it has an important function of protecting an individual from being injured. However, in people suffering from nerve pain, the function of sensing pain doesn’t work quite right. The brain receives the signal of pain, the body experiences pain, but there is no cause for it. As there is no exact cause for the pain, there is no direct way of relieving the same. Nerves behave this way because of damage from a disease or a physical injury. Some of the health conditions that could cause nerve pain are:

  • Cancer and other tumors – Cancer and other tumors can cause nerve pain. As the tumors grow they start pressing the surrounding nerves. Cancers also can develop out of the nerves. Sometimes, treatments for cancer like chemotherapy medications can damages the nerves, in turn leading to pain.
  • HIV – This health condition can cause painful nerve damage. Almost one-third of individuals suffering from HIV are affected by nerve pain. One of the first symptoms of HIV is the nerve pain in the feet and hands. HIV treatment with antiretroviral drugs can also lead to damage of nerves that cause pain.
  • Diabetes – A common cause of nerve damage in the country, diabetes can lead to nerve pain. High levels of glucose in the blood can injure the nerves and lead to the pain.
  • Shingles – Shingles can sometimes be followed by a painful condition named postherpetic neuralgia. It can be severe and sudden.
  • Physical injuries – Some physical injuries can lead to compressed, severed, or crushed nerves. This can lead to nerve pain.

What are the symptoms of nerve pain?
The symptoms of nerve pain are different for every person. The extent varies based on the damage caused and the reason for the injury. Here is a list of the most common symptoms of nerve pain:

  • Tingling
  • Prickling
  • Numbness
  • Loss of reflexes

How is nerve pain diagnosed?

  • If an individual thinks he/she is suffering from nerve pain, it is important to visit a doctor immediately.
  • Sometimes, the cause of nerve pain can be clear to diagnose, especially, if the individual has a diagnosed medical conditions like diabetes, HIV, or cancer.
  • In cases where the medical condition is undiagnosed, finding the cause for nerve pain can be difficult. This is because there are several conditions that can trigger nerve pain.
  • In such cases, the doctor may run some lab tests and also conduct a neurological exam. Some other tests that the doctor may suggest are nerve conduction study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, and an electromyograph.
  • Sometimes, the doctor may also recommend a biopsy of a nerve or the skin to study the nerve endings.

What are the 5 best natural remedies for nerve pain?
While there are several medications that are subscribed as a part of the nerve pain treatment, there are some natural remedies that an individual can try; however, these should be tried only after consulting with the doctor. Some of the natural remedies for nerve pain are:

  • Warm Baths- A warm compress or a bath can help reduce the symptoms. It is best to avoid hot baths and go for ones that are relatively warm to experience the positive effects of the bath like relief from the pain and reduction in the discomfort.
  • Massages- A massage can do wonders for those who have nerve pain. It stimulates the flow of blood and relieves the pain in the muscle. It relaxes the tension and it is a great pain relief for nerve damage.
  • Therapy- Depression, stress, and anxiety are said to play a role in aggravating the symptoms in the individuals’ suffering from nerve pain. Managing these conditions can reduce pain.
  • Nutritional supplements- Certain deficiencies can also lead to nerve pain. One can consult a doctor to check which deficiency might be causing nerve pain in the system. Most common deficiencies causing nerve pains are a lack of vitamin B1, B12, B6, E and D, and zinc.
  • Changes in the diet- An unhealthy diet is often linked to frequent pain. One needs to avoid certain foods like gluten, sugar, soy, dairy, and corn as they are known to have a negative impact on the body.

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