How nerve pain feels
People experience nerve pain in many different ways. Some people feel a sudden, sharp stabbing pain at night, while others may feel a constant tingling, numbness, burning pain, etc. Although neuralgia is unbearable, it can be well controlled if treated properly.
Pain Awareness
Pain is important for human survival. It is a warning signal that when we are too close to danger (fire, nails, etc.), the nerve will transmit electrical signals to the brain, producing the sensation of pain and making the appropriate avoidance action. However, if the nerve is damaged, this system is disrupted and the damaged nerve sends the wrong signal to the brain to produce pain when there is actually no injurious stimulus, and in another case, the damaged nerve becomes dull to the real injurious stimulus.
Causes of neuralgia
Nerve pain can be triggered by a variety of things, from feeling pain while standing in line to the slightest movement of the bed sheets while sleeping.
Sensory retardation
Nerve damage may manifest as loss of sensation and numbness in the fingertips, making it difficult to perform some tasks that require the use of the fingers. Many people feel like they are working with gloves on their hands all the time.
Effects on sleep
Neuralgia often worsens at night, and the increased pressure from touching the sheets or lying down can make it unbearable. If nerve pain interferes with sleep, it is important to inform your doctor, and adjustments to your habits and oral medications may provide relief.
Loss of balance
In addition to the nerve injury causing numbness, it may also have an effect on muscle strength and a loss of balance. If this occurs, it may be necessary to call a rehabilitation physician to help with adjustments.
Insensitivity to injurious stimuli
Nerve damage not only causes pain, but also dullness and insensitivity to injurious stimuli, and people with nerve damage are often unaware of the injury they have experienced. Doctors may ask patients to do frequent self-exams, especially of the feet, to see if there is any damage to avoid adverse outcomes.
Progression of nerve pain
If left untreated, neuralgia will continue to worsen and nerve damage will continue to progress from the nerve endings (hands and feet) to the proximal extremities. However, if treated early and effectively, this process can be well halted or even reversed.
Quantifying the pain
Most nerve pain can be effectively managed. When visiting a hospital, doctors usually ask these questions: How long has the pain been there? What does it feel like? Does it affect your life and work much? These questions will help the doctor to have a more accurate picture of the condition and facilitate treatment.
Risk factors for neuropathic pain
Some chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and shingles can cause damage to the nerves. It is very important to find the cause of the disease, and treating the cause can be twice as effective.
Pain medications
Common pain medications include non-steroidal analgesics such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Some pain relief creams and patches can also be used.
Prescription medications for neuropathic pain
Commonly used medications for neuropathic pain are antidepressants, antiepileptics, etc.
Other methods
In addition to the treatment given by doctors such as medication, it is also very important to maintain proper exercise and weight control.