Living with nerve pain can be a long-term problem. Some neuropathic pain gets better with treatment or on its own, but it can take months or years. Pain in other nerves stays the same for years or gets worse gradually. Some neuralgias are irreversible.

 Doctors can help identify and manage neuropathic pain using the best treatments available. However, there are many things you can do to relieve pain.

 What causes neuralgia?

Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage. Most commonly, it is caused by a medical condition such as diabetes, side effects of medication or chemotherapy, or injury.

 If there is no cause for pain, damaged nerves are more likely to misfire and signal pain. You may also be at risk for more serious problems such as foot infections.

 All causes of neuralgia are still primarily medical mysteries. Researchers have identified several ways in which nerves can misfire, leading to treatments that have helped many people.

 Yet, in a survey of people with nerve pain, most people say they still have pain despite the doctor's best efforts. If you are one of them, you may want to go beyond traditional medicine for salvation. Nearly half of patients with neuralgia report trying complementary or alternative approaches to pain relief.

 Nerve Pain Relief Strategies

 In addition to relieving pain, many self-medication and home treatments help prevent more serious problems and maintain overall health. Some of these strategies can even trigger the body's natural pain relievers that make you feel better.

 Follow diabetes. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar level. Normal blood sugar is the best possible treatment for diabetic neuralgia.

 Distant exercise releases a natural pain reliever called endorphins. Exercise also increases blood flow to nerves in the legs and feet. Researchers believe that regular exercise can lead to long-term dilation of blood vessels in the feet and heal damaged nerves. Start with a daily walk and gradually increase your speed and distance.

 Pamper your feet. When nerve pain affects your feet, it's time to focus on proper foot care. Nerve pain often refers to sensory impairment and is prone to injury and infection. Reduce your risk by examining your feet daily, wearing comfortable shoes, and seeing a podiatrist regularly. Leg injuries and injuries are not too minor for a doctor to see.

 Avoid it. A warm bath may be the easiest and least expensive home treatment for nerve pain. Warm water temporarily increases blood flow to the legs and also helps relieve stress. Please measure the water temperature with your arm before boarding the plane to avoid burns.

Skip the happy time. High alcohol consumption is toxic to the nerves and can exacerbate nerve pain. There's no magic number for how much you can drink and still avoid nerve pain, but some experts recommend no more than four drinks a week.

 Sleep on it. Nerve pain can get worse at night, disrupt sleep, and make pain management difficult. Help break the cycle with good sleep habits. Limit caffeine consumption in the afternoon, maintain a consistent bedtime that allows for 8 hours of sleep and book your bedroom for sleep and sex.

 Burn. Pepper capsaicin cream causes an unpleasant burning sensation when first applied. Some people find that they cannot tolerate the burning sensation, especially if they are already in a painful condition. However, those who stick to it for weeks often report improvement in neuralgia (and fewer burns over time).

 Number. The anesthetic lidocaine (gel, ointment, or patch) is available as a prescription and over-the-counter medication. The relief provided by lidocaine is temporary but satisfactory.

 Scrub. Several studies have shown that the use of herbal oils such as geranium oil can reduce postherpetic neuralgia pain. Other oils, such as lavender oil, have been shown to help people relax. It can also help relieve heartache from nerve pain.

 Please meditate. Techniques such as guided imagery, meditation, biofeedback, and hypnosis can help improve the lives of some people with nerve pain. Finding the right specialist at a reasonable price can be difficult. Do your homework and ask your doctor or someone you have trusted for advice for a referral.