Gabapentinoids are most commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain. Your doctor may inject steroids, local anesthetics, or other pain medications into the nerves that are thought to be responsible for the wayward pain signals. These blocks are temporary, so they must be repeated in order to keep working. This invasive procedure requires a surgeon to implant a device in your body. Some devices are used in the brain and some are used in the spine. Once a device is in place, it can send electrical impulses into the brain, spinal cord, or nerves.
The impulses may stop the irregular nerve signals and control symptoms. Physical, relaxation, and massage therapies are all used to relieve symptoms of neuropathic pain. These forms of treatment can help ease muscles. For example, some people with neuropathic pain may experience increased symptoms after sitting for several hours.
This might make desk jobs difficult to perform. A physical therapist or occupational therapist can teach you techniques for sitting, stretching, standing, and moving to prevent pain. If your doctor is able to identify an underlying cause for the neuropathic pain, treating it may reduce and even eliminate the pain.
For example, diabetes is a common cause of neuropathic pain. Proper diabetes care — which includes a healthy diet and regular exercise — may eliminate or reduce neuropathic pain. A combination of medications, physical therapy, psychological treatment, and even surgery or implants may be used to bring about the best results. Over time, this can lead to serious disability and complications, including depression, problems sleeping, anxiety, and more.
Fortunately, researchers are learning more about why this condition develops and what can be done to effectively treat it. Finding the correct treatment options for you can take time, but you and your doctor can work together to find relief from the symptoms of this painful condition.
Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, and chronic pain. Learn about eight natural remedies you can try to alleviate these symptoms. Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine known for pain relief. In many cases, symptoms improve, especially if caused by a treatable condition. Medications can reduce the pain of peripheral neuropathy.
Every nerve in your peripheral system has a specific function, so symptoms depend on the type of nerves affected. Nerves are classified into:. Peripheral neuropathy can affect one nerve mononeuropathy , two or more nerves in different areas multiple mononeuropathy , or many nerves polyneuropathy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is an example of mononeuropathy. Most people with peripheral neuropathy have polyneuropathy. Seek medical care right away if you notice unusual tingling, weakness or pain in your hands or feet.
Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance for controlling your symptoms and preventing further damage to your peripheral nerves. Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage caused by a number of different conditions.
Health conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy include:. The best way to prevent peripheral neuropathy is to manage medical conditions that put you at risk, such as diabetes, alcoholism or rheumatoid arthritis. Peripheral neuropathy care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Acupuncture needles are very fine and when inserted through the skin the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache.
If you are considering having acupuncture it is suggested that you visit a practitioner who is a member of the British Acupuncture Council. People may also find benefits in other therapies that can be used in conjunction or as an alternative to conventional treatment. These include therapies such as meditation, reflexology, aromatherapy and homeopathy.
A change in lifestyle may also be beneficial for managing pain. Changes include following a balanced diet, doing gentle exercise in agreement with your doctor , drinking plenty of water and avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol.
Pain is a very complex condition and each person is affected differently. It has many physical and psychological components and individuals can experience fatigue, anxiety, mood changes and depression. As pain cannot be seen, it is hard to explain to someone exactly what it feels like and therefore it is hard for others to understand just how much it can affect everyday life. The organisation Pain Concern provides information and support to people affected by pain.
Should you wish to view the references for this publication, please contact luke. Home Information and support Living with a neurological problem Neuropathic pain. What is neuropathic pain? What causes neuropathic pain? How do you treat neuropathic pain? About Painful Neuropathy Chronic Pain. Definition Painful neuropathy is a neurological disorder where people experience chronic pain due to nerve damage.
Causes Painful neuropathies are caused by damage to the nerves. This damage may be a result of: Diabetes Nutritional imbalances Alcoholism Toxins Chemotherapy Infections Autoimmunity Illnesses, such as kidney failure or cancer Trauma of the nerves. Symptoms Although there are many different causes of painful neuropathies, they have common symptoms, such as: Stabbing or sharp pain Burning Numbness Pain from activities that are normally painless such as being touched with a feather These symptoms most often appear in the hands or feet.
Diagnosis Because painful neuropathy can occur due to several types of diseases, diagnosis differs from case to case.
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