The nervous system is involved in everything our body does. From regulating our every breath to controlling our muscles and sensing heat and cold. The nerves of the body fall into three types: motor nerves, autonomic nerves and sensory nerves. Autonomic nerves control involuntary or partially voluntary activities in our body such as heart rate and blood pressure. Motor nerves control movements and actions passed from the spinal cord to your brain. Sensory nerves relay information from your skin and muscles back to the spinal cord and brain. Sensory and motor nerves work together.
Since nerves are essential to everything we do, nerve pain can seriously affect someone’s quality of life. There are plenty of symptoms that accompany nerve pain and damage. Some basic ones include the inability to sense pain, increased sweating, dizziness or lightheadedness, dry mouth and eyes, constipation and sexual dysfunction. Although an actual cure for nerve pain still needs developing, there are ways to prevent or delay nerve pain for those who may be experiencing symptoms.
Glucose levels
Keeping your blood glucose levels within a target range can help your nerves function to their best potential. If you are having trouble keeping your blood levels within range, consider meal prepping, adding more physical activity and perhaps stronger medications. Remember to always talk to an advisor or doctor before doing anything drastic. Invest in a blood glucose meter to help track your target levels and get an A1C lab test done at least twice a year to keep up with your average blood levels.
Exercise
Exercising, and especially walking, can help prevent nerve pain. Exercising releases natural painkillers called endorphins and promotes blood flow to the nerves in the legs and feet. This works in the long run as walking and exercising can help create a long-lasting expansion in the blood vessels of the feet. If you are not used to exercising or walking a lot, start with the basics — start with a daily walk and gradually increase the pace and distance.
Soaking
Soaking your body and feet in warm water is also another easy way to help stimulate blood flow and can help relieve stress, as well. In addition, make sure to skip out on heavy alcohol as this can worsen and add toxins to the nerves. Experts advise no more than four drinks a week if possible.
Sleep
Nerve pain can worsen at night and disrupt sleep. This makes it extremely difficult to cope with the pain. Make sure to practice good sleeping habits such as limiting caffeine intake and keeping a consistent bedtime that allows for eight hours of sleep or more every night. Sleeping can help the body get the rest and boost it needs to help with nerve pain.
The bottom line
Nerve damage and the pain that results are incurable. However, there are ways to minimize the pain and damage. The number one rule is being educated on the subject. If you maintain a healthy diet and keep your blood levels in check, you are already one step closer to less damage. Exercise and walk regularly to stimulate blood flow and make sure you get the proper amount of rest needed for your body to heal and recover every single day. Nerve damage does not need to be crippling. Follow these tips to help you get the most out of life.
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