Pain from nerve damage does not have to last forever. With the proper treatment, it is possible to restore nerve health, along with the mobility and physical capabilities a patient had before nerves becoming damaged.
The key is to treat the damage instead of just numbing the pain.
Pain medication will be part of the treatment process
Initially, patients may need to take over-the-counter pain medications or use ointments or sprays that can help to reduce nerve pain. In some situations, a doctor may prescribe medication as well.
There are ways to support nerve healing
Certain vitamins and supplements are also known to reduce nerve pain and even promote healing. Some of the ones we recommend taking are:
- Magnesium
- Vitamin C
- Vitamins B6 and B12
- Vitamin E
Adding foods that contain these nutrients to a person’s diet, or taking them in supplement form, can help to promote overall health and nerve health.
It is also vital to continue moderate exercise and physical activity. Even things like walking regularly are good for the body because it helps to promote blood flow. Getting enough sleep is also crucial for anyone who is suffering from nerve damage.
Massage is another natural way to treat the pain caused by damaged nerves.
These natural treatments can help, but they typically will not solve the problem
We recommend using natural methods to help augment healing. Still, we know that most patients will require help from a medical professional.
Nerve damage treatments
Below are a few of the procedures that are available for consideration.
Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS)
Using electrodes, small amounts of electricity are sent to the skin, disrupting the ability of nerves to transmit signals of pain to the brain. This drug-free therapy can be highly effective and has been used for years to treat nerve pain.
Prescription drugs
Some prescriptions have proven promising for preventing nerve pain. Others can treat related symptoms.
Acupuncture
Some patients will experience relief with ongoing acupuncture. This is an ancient Chinese medicine that can treat a variety of conditions by helping to promote blood flow and by bringing the body into proper balance.
Ultrasound therapy
Some patients have experienced relief from nerve pain through ultrasound treatments. These are non-invasive treatments that use high-frequency waves to stimulate the nerves and reduce pain.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is another non-surgical option that can penetrate deep into the tissue to boost cellular metabolism and reduce swelling. It can relieve pain for people suffering from numerous conditions, including nerve damage.
What’s the bottom line?
There are multiple ways to treat nerve pain and damage. Some treatments can be done at home, but others require help from a medical provider. The only way to know what will be the most effective is to speak with a physician in our office and then to begin trying various forms of treatment. We encourage getting started right away so that healing can begin as quickly as possible.
Call us at (619) 460-5850 for more information from Neurological and Pain Institute.
