Can nerve pain tips really help to relieve discomfort?
It’s incredibly common to want to find relief when you’re experiencing daily pain. Those suffering from nerve pain will often explore various medications and home remedies to try and find some relief.
We’re going to highlight some nerve pain tips that look at small lifestyle and activity changes to help soothe some discomfort.
What Causes Nerve Pain?
Nerve pain can appear in a number of ways, but most often it takes the form of a stabbing, shooting or burning pain. The degree of discomfort can vary with each person and might depend on just what is causing the nerve pain in the first place.
Injuries caused by accidents and traumas that impact the brain, spine, or nerves can trigger neuropathic pain. They can lead to sensitivity or cause things like trapped nerves that are uncomfortable and impact mobility.
Nerve pain can also be a side effect of medication, or it can be linked directly to a condition like fibromyalgia or infections like shingles.
Nerve Pain Symptoms
Nerve pain can present in a number of ways, with the most common being a burning or electric-shock-like sensation.
Those experiencing nerve pain can also face heightened sensitivity to touch or even numbness that can make performing everyday tasks and things like intimacy more difficult.
Article: Dr. Kathryn Ellis on Chronic Pain, Sex and Intimacy
5 Nerve Pain Tips For Comfort
Of course, there are some specific tools that are perfect for those with nerve pain, but are there any other ways that nerve pain management can be approached to offer relief?
1. Try Mindful Movement
When we feel pain or discomfort, it can be very easy to stop exercising. Engaging in very gentle exercises that promote flexibility and improve circulation, like yoga or walking can have many benefits.
These activities can actually enhance nerve function and provide relief from pain. Aquatic exercise has also been shown to provide great clinical benefits and to be easier on joints.
Always start slowly when it comes to exercise, and if needed, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized exercise recommendations.
2. Hot and Cold Therapy
What is the best home remedy for nerve pain? General guides and tips for nerve pain relief will often touch on the benefits of hot and cold therapy.
It’s simple to do at home and can offer immediate relief when you find a combination that works for you. Some nerve conditions are sensitive to temperature changes so the ability to adapt to suit needs is invaluable.
Apply heat or cold packs to the affected areas to help soothe nerve pain. Warm compresses can relax tense muscles and increase blood flow, while cold packs can reduce inflammation and numb the area. Experiment with both methods to discover what works best for you.
3. Supportive Accessories
There are many accessories designed to remove the strain on affected areas and alleviate nerve pain. Adding these tools into your day-to-day routine can help with pain relief.
Supports
Supports can help with posture and alleviating pressure from problem areas. When pressure is distributed more evenly it can help with discomfort. Tighter options can also help with blood flow that causes nerve pain for some.
Adaptive Clothing
Adaptive clothing can offer a practical solution where nerve pain makes day-to-day activities uncomfortable. Utilizing specially designed tools like front-fastening bras, velcro closures and other accessible clothing features can reduce strain and alleviate nerve pain.
Learn more about adaptive clothing.
4. Medication Management
Discuss medication options with your healthcare provider. Certain medications, such as anti-seizure drugs or antidepressants, may help manage nerve pain. Always follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and report any side effects.
5. Nutrition
Nutrition, or lack of nutrition can actually contribute to nerve pain. Being aware of diet and achieving a balanced diet can be an essential part of pain management when paired with other pain relief strategies. B vitamins can be particularly helpful and can be found in a variety of foods, so it's important to ask a nutritionist, dietitian or to do your research.
