Peripheral Neuropathy is the most common form of pain experienced by patients suffering from peripheral neuropathies. Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when the nerve cells in the legs, arms, hands and feet are not functioning correctly, and it’s often associated with nerve damage and inflammation.
Even though pain relief for neuropathy is possible, it’s often not the route that you should take. Because of the long term effects, especially on blood pressure and heart rate, many physicians recommend a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs to help reduce pain. NSAIDs are the primary treatment option used to help control and relieve pain.
Unfortunately, there is very little scientific evidence to support the use of this medication as an alternative to other treatments for neuropathy. Many studies have shown that these medications do nothing more than provide temporary pain relief while those benefits fade away within weeks.
Many physicians are also hesitant to prescribe NSAIDs because they believe that the risks outweigh the benefits of this drug class. The negative side effects of NSAIDs include gastrointestinal problems, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Additional risk factors include vitamin B12 deficiency, high blood pressure, pregnancy, and obesity.
For chronic pain sufferers, there are alternative ways to treat neuropathy symptoms. These treatments will focus on natural relief methods and will help to rebuild and regenerate the nervous system so it can function normally again.
One of the most effective treatments for neuropathy is exercise. A consistent daily exercise routine is considered a safe and natural way to deal with pain caused by nerve disorders. Specific exercises targeted at the lower back and neck can be practiced several times each week to improve balance and flexibility and help prevent nerve damage.
As with all other forms of pain, stress can also lead to the development of neuropathy. Although it can be difficult to find relief for neuropathy caused by stress, it is possible to learn how to manage the symptoms of stress. There are several techniques to relieve the symptoms of stress, including deep breathing, aromatherapy, deep muscle relaxation, and yoga.
Stress is often seen as a contributing factor to the development of neuropathy and can often result in lower levels of consciousness and lessened pain. Taking steps to relieve stress is an important part of the treatment strategy for chronic pain.
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