Whatever the cause, nerve pain can be severe and debilitating. Those who have it often need a doctor's help and prescription treatment.

 There are also several over-the-counter treatments for neuropathic pain that can help relieve symptoms. You can use some of these approaches with your prescription treatment. If the nerve pain is mild, it may be enough to relieve the nerve pain. The options are outlined below.

 Over-the-counter treatments for neuralgia

 Local pain reliever. Many over-the-counter creams and ointments are available to relieve nerve pain. They contain substances that act as local anesthetics and paralyze the pain in the area where they are applied. Some contain capsaicin, a pain reliever derived from cayenne pepper. Others use other natural ingredients such as vegetable oils. One of the benefits of topical therapy is that it can be applied exactly where relief is needed.

Analgesics. People with neuropathic pain look to well-known over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. While these medications may help with mild or occasional pain, they are often not strong enough for severe neuralgia. People with chronic pain are also at risk of becoming overly dependent on these drugs. Therefore, always follow the instructions on the bottle. Most pain relievers should not be taken for more than 10 days. If you still have pain and want to take it longer, you should consult your doctor. This may be a sign that another treatment is needed.4

Dietary supplements and vitamins. In some cases, nerve pain may be exacerbated or even caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency. If your doctor decides you need it, they may recommend vitamin B12 injections or supplements.

 Other dietary supplements can be used to treat nerve pain. There is some preliminary evidence that some, such as acetyl-L-carnitine, α-lipoic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid, may help with neuralgia caused by diabetes. However, the evidence is not clear. More research needs to be done. Always consult your doctor before starting the regular use of dietary supplements.

 Neuralgia Lifestyle changes

 Lifestyle changes are unlikely to eliminate nerve pain, but they are especially effective when combined with other treatments. Here are some suggestions.

 Eat well. There is no specific diet plan for nerve pain. But a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will ensure you get the nutrients you need. Your doctor may also recommend that you reduce the amount of alcohol you drink or stop altogether.

Move regularly. Many studies have shown that people with chronic pain who exercise are less sore, more energetic, and feel better than those who do not exercise.

Smoking. In addition to all the other adverse effects, smoking can reduce blood flow to nerves and aggravate nerve pain. If you smoke, you should quit.

 In some cases, meaningful lifestyle changes have additional benefits. 

Nerve Pain: Getting Help

If you're in constant pain, don't suffer and muddle through. Instead, get help from a doctor -- preferably an expert in treating nerve pain, like a neurologist or a pain management specialist. Together, you can come up with a treatment plan that will help you feel better.