Options For Managing Nerve Pain
Posted on: 16 March 2020
When you're in pain, it is important to determine what type of pain you are suffering from. Your doctor can share some helpful insight in this regard. The type of pain you are suffering from will determine which treatments are most likely to be effective. Here is a look at some of the treatments you should consider for managing nerve pain, such as that caused by cancer, HIV, or diabetes.
Capsaicin Creams
Capsaicin creams, which are available over the counter at most pharmacies, are pretty good at managing pain that has been determined to be nerve pain. The active ingredient in these creams is a compound derived from hot peppers. It overwhelms your pain receptors so they deliver signals of warmth, rather than pain, to your brain. The warm sensation may be a little uncomfortable at first, but it will soon fade away, and you'll then notice your pain is less pronounced. Capsaicin creams are very safe, but they work best when your pain is isolated to a certain area.
Anticonvulsant Drugs
If topical creams are not giving you enough relief, you should talk to your doctors about prescribing anticonvulsant medications. Although these medications were designed to treat seizure disorders initially, they are also effective in the management of nerve pain. Your doctor will prescribe a low dose at first, and if you don't experience enough relief, they may increase your dose slowly.
TENS
TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. This sounds intimidating, but it is actually very safe and can be wonderful for relieving nerve pain. Basically, your practitioner will hold a special device against your skin. The device will deliver low levels of electricity that penetrate your skin and trigger your nerves. You will feel your muscles contract and release, but this should not be uncomfortable. There are even some TENS devices you can use at home.
CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is increasingly being used to manage nerve pain. It works by alleviating inflammation. Since inflamed tissues press on nerves, contributing to nerve pain, CBD can give hours of relief. There are CBD creams you can apply topically, and you can also vape or take the compound orally.
All of the above options work better for some people than for others, so you might need to try a few different things before landing on the treatment that works for your particular nerve pain. Talk to your doctor to learn more about pain management.
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