Natural Treatments For Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is caused by an injury or disorder of the nervous system. The patient experiments with pain, weakness and often a feeling of numbness. Can natural therapies bring relief? Find out more about it today.
Various complementary treatments that have been researched and approved in recent years can reduce neuropathic pain. While they are not first-line therapies, they can be helpful in providing support, relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life.
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) informs that neuropathic pain is the result of an injury or disorder of the nervous system. These can occur in the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) or in the peripheral nervous system (nerves, plexuses and microscopic nerve endings).
Often the pain is intense and it can be very difficult to treat. It is therefore necessary to be well informed about the various therapeutic options after the medical diagnosis. As mentioned earlier, supportive natural remedies can be helpful in relieving symptoms. Find out more about it afterwards.
Neuropathic Pain: Natural Remedies for Supportive Treatment
As mentioned in the journal The Lancet Neurology , neuropathic pain is characterized by the fact that it occurs spontaneously, can be continuous or sharp, and arises after harmful or non-harmful stimuli. The affected patients react with an intense pain reaction, which reduces their quality of life.
Because of the complexity of these ailments, both diagnosis and treatment are complicated. But the previously mentioned source also states that advanced pharmacological treatments can bring symptoms under control. These include the following options:
- Amitriptyline, gabapentin and pregabalin. These are mostly chosen as first-line treatment.
- Duloxetine, a second option.
- Opioids, tramadol, and topical drugs
- Other medicines such as anti-epileptics and antidepressants
We owe recent research to the fact that various natural remedies can possibly alleviate certain symptoms and are therefore used. While you should seek advice from your doctor first, these natural remedies are worth considering. We will then go into a little more detail.
Acupuncture for neuropathic pain
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a very long time. Fine needles are pierced into the skin at certain pressure points to balance the patient’s energy balance.
The Western medicine explains the successful treatments by stimulating the nerves and muscles. Therefore, this therapy can be helpful for neuropathic pain in order to improve the blood circulation and alleviate the symptoms. However, more studies are needed on this topic.
Many patients are already using acupuncture for pain relief. A pilot study, the results of which were published in the European Journal of Neurology , came to interesting results examining the effects of acupuncture on neuropathic pain.
In any case, it is important that an experienced and recognized expert performs the acupuncture treatment in order to avoid any risks. Incorrect treatment can cause injury, infection, or other complications.
Specific exercises for neuropathic pain
Exercise is one of the best natural therapies for neuropathic pain. In conventional medicine, specific exercises are highly recommended to improve the health and quality of life of those affected.
Regular exercises improve muscle tone and promote blood circulation. Because of this, they can alleviate the symptoms of neuropathy. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience showed that physical exercise improved nerve function and relieved neuropathic pain and other types of sensory dysfunction, such as numbness.
Exercise, on the other hand, helps control blood sugar levels and this in turn reduces the risk of suffering from complications associated with diabetic neuropathies. It is best to start gradually and adapt the exercises to your physical condition. If possible, seek advice from a physical therapist or specialist trainer.
Meditation and yoga
Techniques like meditation and yoga are excellent tools to help reduce neuropathic pain. Both are also perfect for managing the stress and emotions that make the pain worse.
A research study published in the International Journal of MS Care found that meditation reduced neuropathically induced fatigue and pain. Besides, it also promotes the mental health of patients who are prone to stress, anxiety, and depression.
A recent study published in the journal Annals of Neurosciences suggests that yoga can be very helpful as a complementary therapy for neuropathic pain caused by bone marrow injury. Practicing gentle yoga exercises can have a positive effect on pain management.
The recommendations are similar for both disciplines and they can also be perfectly combined. It’s best to find a quiet, comfortable place to stay away from distractions. Get help from an expert who can adapt the exercises to your physical requirements.
What other therapies can also be helpful?
In addition to the natural therapies mentioned, there are other ways to relieve neuropathic pain. However, you must not forget that these cannot replace the treatment prescribed by a doctor. In addition, you always have to be careful and it is best to seek advice from your doctor.
The following measures can also provide relief:
- A warm bath
- Ointments with capsaicin for external use,
- sufficient vitamins, especially the B complex,
- essential oils for massages or aromatherapy
- and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco.
If you have severe symptoms, you should see your doctor regularly. Only a specialist can decide which treatment is best to relieve pain in each individual case. Do not forget that!
