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Copyright © 2015 Health Vantage Pte Ltd.

All rights reserved.

Published by Galen White.

Notes to the Reader:

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regard to the subject matter covered. If a product or treatment is recommended in these pages, it is

not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information contained herein is

meant to be used to educate the reader and is in no way intended to provide individual medical

advice. The publisher and the contributors are not engaged in rendering medical advice.

All information contained in this book is received from sources believed to be accurate, but no

guarantee, express or implied, can be made. Readers are encouraged to verify for themselves, and

to their own satisfaction, the accuracy of all information, recommendations, conclusions, comments,

opinions or anything else contained within these pages before making any kind of decisions based

upon what they have read herein.

The author of this e-book is not a licensed practitioner of medicine; therefore, the techniques, ideas,

and opinions here are not intended as a substitute for proper medical advice! The information

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Individual results may vary.


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Introduction.....................................................................................................4

The Basics Of Nerve Pain .................................................................................5

Nothing Nervous About The Nervous System ...............................................11

“What, Why, How, When And Who” Of Nerve Pain ......................................17

Diagnosing The Nerve Pain ............................................................................28

Freeing Yourself From Nerve Pain .................................................................33

Latest Findings And Conclusion .....................................................................39


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Introduction

Excruciating pain, numbness, burning sensation etc. are all caused by nerve damage,

destruction, or weakness. There are different types of painful sensations we feel throughout

our lives. Nerve pain, however, is the worst.

When a nerve gets damaged or weakens, it starts to affect our nervous system. Nerves play a

prominent role in keeping us moving. Our entire body is made up of nerves that are like wires

and these wires are connected to the brain. We all know that our brain helps us conduct

different tasks and if the nerves that are connected to the brain are damaged, the entire

function of our body is affected, causing nerve pain. Nerve pain can be exhausting and it often

makes a person’s brain numb. People who have nerve pain cannot function efficiently and the

quality of their lives gets affected too.

Nerve pain can be caused by a number of factors among which the prominent are HIV, cancer,

diabetes, shingles, and stroke. A person experiencing nerve pain might describe the pain as a

sharp shooting sensation, numbness, fire sensation, stabbing, prickling, and much more. These

pain sensations affect the spinal cord and brain. There are several terminologies used for nerve

pain. Some call it neurosis and some call it neuralgia. No matter what you call it, nerve pain can

affect the way you carry out different tasks in your life.

With advancement in technology, and new research being conducted in various sectors,

medical science has come a long way and medical professionals now have the solution to most

problems. Thankfully, nerve pain falls in the category of treatable conditions and people who

are suffering from it should take help from professionals and improve the quality of their life.


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The Basics Of Nerve Pain

Nerve pain, often known as chronic pain, occurs when a nerve is

damaged. This pain can be caused by a variety of reasons

including trauma, injury, and inflammation to name a few. Nerve

pain is also caused by different medical conditions or illnesses.

Many people describe the pain as tingling and feel numbness in

the feet and hands. However, the symptoms may differ from

person to person depending on the type of damaged nerve.

People with nerve pain can feel exhausted most of the time due

to the intensity of the pain. This pain often causes the brain to

function abnormally. A great problem caused by nerve pain is that

people suffering from it find it hard to focus at work, studies, and

everyday tasks. They might also feel tired and fatigued. The

nervous system plays an important role in keeping us healthy and

when it gets affected, the entire system is disturbed.

The brain sends out the signals to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves to the affected area

where the damaged nerve is present. The damaged nerve sends signals of pain to the brain. It is

also interesting to know that the causes of nerve pain are not always physical and can also be

psychological.

Consider the case of a lady aged 35 with three kids and does not have enough financial support.

She faced many problems raising her three children. Her husband died in a car crash a few

months ago and this puts her under massive stress and anxiety. Due to this anxiety, one of her

nerves was damaged, causing her to cope with extreme nerve pain while tackling her

responsibilities. She couldn’t focus on work and felt tired all the time. After a few painful

months, one of her friends recommended a psychiatrist. She visited the psychiatrist who forced

her to take part in a therapy session and with the help of some anti-depressants, she was able

to overcome her pain.

Nerve pain does not usually go away entirely. A person whom is treated can still feel pain but

with less intensity. Nerve pain can be caused by a number of reasons depending on the type of

nerve that is damaged. This pain is caused mainly due to the damage in the sensory or motor

nerves. When the tissue of these nerves gets damaged, a person feels nerve pain.


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Nerve pain is caused when the inner cell of the nerve gets damaged. This cell is known as axon.

Axon is the inner information pathway that sends and receives signals from the brain. When

this cell or the nerve tissue gets damaged, nerve pain occurs.

Our nervous system is the main system of the body that allows us to perform different tasks

and our major activities are connected to the nervous system. When a nerve gets damaged, this

system gets disrupted and the signals that are being sent to the brain are abnormal. This causes

extreme pain and disability conduct different activities that we do on a daily basis. The nervous

system controls the major activities that are given below:

1. The nervous system allows us to think, reason, memorize

2. The nervous system controls the five senses that are; smell, touch, hearing, feeling, and

sight.

3. The nervous system controls our actions and movements.

4. The nervous system also controls different functions of our body including blood flow

and blood pressure.

In many cases, when the nerve damage is extreme, it can cause the loss of function. This usually

happens when a person goes through an accident and the nerve gets damaged or destroyed

completely, resulting in paralysis. The symptoms of nerve pain or damage can range from mild

to severe. In some cases it might only be pain in a certain area of the body and in other it might

cause extreme damage.

Nerves Getting Affected

Nerve pain is caused when there is possible nerve damage. Our spinal cord is the main player in

our body. The entire nerves in our body are attached to the spinal cord. Whatever we do, the

signals are received and go out from the spinal cord to the brain. It plays the main role in letting

us perform our daily activities, from minor to major.

Neuropathy is a term that is used for a nerve damage or condition. Our nervous system

comprises of several nerves and these nerves can be damaged from a number of reasons. There

are different nerves located in different parts of our body and these nerves have their

individual names.


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1. Cranial Nerve

Cranial nerves are an important part of the nervous system and they directly travel to the brain.

These nerves are located on the underside of the brain. There are twelve types of cranial nerves

including hypoglossal nerve, spinal accessory nerve, vagus nerve, vestibulocochlear nerve,

glossopharyngeal nerve, facial nerve, abducens nerve, trochlear nerve, oculomotor nerve, optic

nerve and olfactory nerve.

The cranial nerves help us carry out our day to day functions, and damage to one of these

nerves can cause damage to sight, hearing and sense of taste. Cranial nerves can be damaged

by a stroke, illness, injury, tumor, inflammation, drugs, toxins, infections, etc. When there is a

severe damage to the cranial nerves, a person might lose its ability to see, smell, feel, and taste

things. In some cases, cranial nerve damage can cause a change in facial expressions.

2. Peripheral Nerve

Peripheral nerves are the nerves that affect toes, hands, legs, arms, feet, and fingers when

damaged. This is known as peripheral neuropathy. The peripheral nerves are part of the

peripheral nervous system that is outside the spinal cord and brain. The damage in the

peripheral nerves causes numbness, weakness, and pain in the hands, toes, feet, legs, etc.

Peripheral nerve damage often causes the loss of sensation, feeling of burning and tingling.

There are a variety of effects that are caused by peripheral nerve damage. Damage to

peripheral nerves can cause extreme pain or no feeling at all. These pains can be caused due to

an injury, infection, illness, disorder, etc. These pains are intense and can cause problems in

functions of the body majorly metabolism.

Some of the major symptoms of peripheral nerve damage are: tingling, cold and hot sensation,

excessive sweating, constipation, shocked sensation, shooting pain, drop of blood pressure,

diarrhea, heavy feeling in arms and legs, etc.

3. Central nerve

The central nervous system consists of many nerves that control various functions of the body.

Damage to the central nervous system can cause neurological or psychiatric disabilities. The

central nervous system is also damaged due to an infection, disease, injury, illness,

autoimmune disorder, stroke, trauma, mood disorders, and much more. This damage can take


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away a person’s ability to perform and in extreme cases causes diseases like diabetes and

paralysis.

4. Autonomic Nerve

Autonomic nerves are part of the nervous system that controls

involuntary body functions including blood pressure, heart rate,

perspiration and digestion. If an autonomic nerve is damaged, it may

cause irregular heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, etc. Damage to

autonomic nerves can disrupt the signals between the brain and the

autonomic nerve resulting in pain. The symptoms depend on the type of

nerve damaged and its location.

The common symptoms caused by an autonomic nerve damage include; difficulty in digestion,

sexual performance difficulties, dizziness, fainting, urinary problems, difficulty in exercise,

sluggish pupil reaction.

Autonomic nerve damage can be caused by a number of reasons, most common being certain

diseases and their treatments. Some of the major reasons of autonomic neuropathy are: nerve

damage, diabetes, chronic illness, cancer, infectious diseases, abnormal protein build-up,

inherited disorders, etc.

Types Of Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a term used for peripheral neuropathy that involves nerve damage in the

peripheral nervous system. Neuropathy can be caused due to many underlying diseases and

factors. Some are inherited and some are caused by injury, and other diseases. When the

nerves in the peripheral nervous system are damaged, it causes pain and specific symptoms.

This nerve damage can be really painful and the area where the nerve is located gets affected

the most. Our peripheral nervous system involves the nerves that are located outside the brain

and the spinal cord. These nerves control our five major senses and damage to peripheral

nerves can cause problems in seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and feeling.


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1. Mono Neuropathy

Mono neuropathy is a type of neuropathy that occurs when a nerve or group of nerves is

damaged due to an injury, fall, or accident. People suffering from mono neuropathy may feel

loss of sensation, lack of co-ordination, pain, weakness, muscle fatigue, numbness, loss of

reflexes, tingling and burning sensation and much more.

Mono neuropathy can sometimes get better with time but in many cases it needs to be treated

using latest treatment methods. Physiotherapy is one of the treatments of mono neuropathy

and almost all types of neuropathy. Physical exercise promotes muscle health and provides it

strength to resist the pain and weakness. If the damage to the nerves is severe, the doctors

might suggest operating on the nerve.

2. Poly Neuropathy

Polyneuropathy is caused when many nerves in the peripheral nervous system get damaged.

Thus, damage to any of the nerves in the peripheral nervous system causes the same set of

symptoms.

In polyneuropathy, nerve damage is also caused by injury, disease, chronic illness, inherited

disease, auto-immune condition, infections, toxins, drugs, cancer, diabetes, etc. Extreme

damage to the nerves in polyneuropathy may result in liver failure, kidney failure, lung cancer,

vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid gland dysfunction and much more.

Polyneuropathy causes damage to the motor nerves that are responsible for muscle

movement, sensory functions, and combined functions of these parts. In most cases of

polyneuropathy, only the sensation is affected.

Nerve damage in polyneuropathy can cause sharp pain, tingling and numbness, weakness, pins

and needles sensation. It also affects the involuntary functions of the body including heart rate,

blood pressure, digestion and urination.

2. Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy is caused when nerve damage disrupts body functions that take place in

our body on a daily basis. Autonomic neuropathy involves the function of the heart, sweat

glands, urinary gland, blood vessels, pupils, and intestines.


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The damaged nerves send out a weak signal from the brain and the spinal cord. The symptoms

of autonomic neuropathy gradually show up and take time to increase. Autonomic neuropathy

finds its place in people with drug and alcohol abuse, diabetes, tissue damage, infections,

multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, HIV, injury to the spinal cord, and nerve inflammation.

People who are suffering from autonomic neuropathy may have digestive problems,

constipation, diarrhea, problems in bowel movement, vomiting, nausea, heart problems, blood

pressure, shortness of breath, urinary infections and problems, sweating, sexual problems,

weight loss and much more. The treatment of autonomic neuropathy usually involves

controlling of the appearing symptoms through medication or self-control.


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Nothing Nervous About The Nervous System

FUNCTION

The nervous system is a major part of the human body and it is further divided into two parts

known as the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

The CNS and PNS have their own functions to look after. The brain and the spinal cord come

under the CNS whereas PNS is a network of nerves that connects the entire body to the brain.

Our nervous system has to perform several complex functions including communicating,

controlling, regulating, coordinating, etc.

The nerves that are connected to the brain send and receive signals. This is what makes us

perform different tasks. Without these messages sent through the nerves, we will not be able

to do anything. In simple words, the nervous system is the main players in our body and any

damage to the nerves of the system causes many problems.

The nervous system is a very organized system. The messages are sent and received accurately

and allow us to do different activities. This information is carried by neurons that are a network

of cell. Our nervous system is not as complicated if we understand it part by part. Every part of

the nervous system performs its own duty.


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Structure Below is a diagram to help you understand the hierarchy of the nervous system.

1. Central Nervous System

The Central Nervous System has a more complex function and consists of brain and spinal cord.

All the processing of information is done in the CNS. The daily activities we perform including

moving things, seeing, hearing, and thinking are all carried out by the central nervous system.

So, whatever we do in our daily life is with the help of our central nervous system.

The CNS is undoubtedly the most important system of our body. From receiving to sending

information, it helps us carry out major activities. Apart from the brain and spinal cord, another

very important part of the central nervous system is the neurons. These neurons are like

messengers that send information from different parts of the body to the brain, similarly from

the brain to different parts of the body. It is a continuous exchange of information and the two

neurons responsible for it are motor neurons and sensory neurons.

Nervous

System

Central Peripheral

Brain

Spinal

Cord

Autonomic

Somatic

Sympathetic

Para-

Sympathetic


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Brain

The brain holds the most importance in our body because it is responsible for carrying out

different functions, both inside and outside the body. Our brain is divided into three major

parts that are: The Forebrain, The Hindbrain, and The Brain Stem. Each of these parts has

important tasks to perform.

1. Forebrain

The forebrain is part of the brain that is responsible for carrying out major functions of our

body. The information that the forebrain receives is processed in the cerebral cortex. The

forebrain helps us in thinking, learning, speaking, coordination, producing, speculating, etc. We

perform these major functions because the neurons carry information from the forebrain to

different organs and parts in our body. The forebrain consists of thalamus and hypothalamus

that control the autonomic functions of our body.

2. Hindbrain

Located in the posterior side of the brain, the hindbrain is a part of the brain that helps us in

movement, maintaining balance, equilibrium, and process sensory information. The hindbrain

consists of pons, cerebellum and medulla oblongata. Medulla oblongata is responsible for

handling major autonomic functions of the body including digestion, respiration, and heart rate

whereas pons and cerebellum maintains balance, equilibrium, movement, and helps in

processing some sensory information.


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3. Brain Stem

Brainstem includes the midbrain and is like a connection between the forebrain and the

hindbrain. Brainstem controls motor functions that are visual and auditory. It also controls

major functions like heart rate, breathing, sleeping, etc.

Spinal Cord

An elongated grey and white tube like structure is the spinal cord that is responsible for

transmitting signals through neurons that control and coordinate reflexes, and carry

information. The spinal cord consists of a complex network of nerves that emerge from it.

These spinal nerves carry sensory impulses towards the brain. Also, these nerve impulses are

carried from the brain to the rest of the body. The function of the nerves is to carry signals from

one part of the body to another and when a nerve gets damaged, the weak signals are

transferred to the brain that causes pain and many other problems.

Neurons

The cells in a central nervous system consist of neurons. The two major parts of a nerve are

Axons and Dendrites. These are responsible for the transmission of information. Axons simply

carry the information away from the cell body to the various parts of the body whereas

dendrites are smaller than axons and carry information towards the cell body. Axons and

dendrites are both branched together to form nerves. Neurons are furthermore classified into

three types.


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1. Sensory Neurons

The signals that are transmitted to the brain are carried by sensory neurons. These neurons

help transfer the information to the brain which then helps us perform various activities.

2. Motor Neurons

The signals that are transmitted from the brain to the various parts of the body are carried by

motor neurons.

3. Inter Neurons

These neurons are responsible to carry signals between motor and sensory neurons.

2. Peripheral Nervous System

The peripheral nervous system is located outside the brain and the spinal cord. Its main

function is to connect the limbs and organs to the central nervous system. The peripheral

nervous system consists of nerves that are known as ganglia. Unlike the central nervous

system, the peripheral nervous system is exposed. It is not protected by a network of nerves

and a bone structure. That’s why the peripheral nervous system is prone to getting damaged

and infected. The peripheral nervous system has two major parts that are given below.

Autonomic Nervous System

The automated functions of our body including heart rate, digestion, respiration, etc. are

carried out by the autonomic nervous system. Autonomic nervous system is part of the PNS

that is furthermore divided into two branches; sympathetic system and parasympathetic

system.

Sympathetic System

Sympathetic system is part of the autonomic nervous system that stimulates activities related

to fight-or-flight. It means that it is responsible for the stimulation of those activities that are

related to action. Our body needs to perform some actions and those actions depend on the

sympathetic system including increasing the heart rate, increasing the level of sugar, and other

activities that prepare the body to fight against different conditions.


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Parasympathetic System

Parasympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system that control normal

body functions. It means that the parasympathetic nervous system remains active all the time

and helps in functions like stimulation and secretion of saliva, etc

Somatic Nervous System

The somatic nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary

body functions and reflexes. In a somatic system, the nerves carry information to and from the

brain. A somatic nervous system also has two types of neurons that are responsible for the

transmission of important messages. These neurons are called motor neurons and sensory

neurons. The somatic system consists of 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves.

The primary function of the somatic nervous system is to connect the central nervous system to

the brain, spinal cord, organs, and skin. The information that these afferent neurons carry is

processed into the central nervous system where it is decoded and sent back to the specific

organs and muscles. The somatic nervous system also carries the information from the outside

world which is carried inside by our senses.

This information is also carried to the central nervous system for appropriate action. Some

nerves in the somatic nervous system carry sensory neurons and some carry motor neurons.

Another important function of the somatic nervous system is to conduct immediate reflexes.

These reflexes occur in split seconds due to a sensory nerve pathway that is directly connected

to the central nervous system.


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“What, Why, How, When And Who” Of Nerve Pain

What Is Nerve Pain All About?

The nervous system is responsible for performing a number of functions and is made up of

many nerves. These nerves carry neurons that carry signals to and from the brain. So when a

nerve in any part of the body is affected, damaged or disrupted, the person feels excruciating

pain. This pain is so intense that it keeps us from thinking correctly and we are unable to

perform normally. Some of these nerves are responsible for voluntary body functions like

controlling the heart rate, digestion, etc., some are responsible for controlling the involuntary

functions and others are responsible to send information to your skin, muscles, and other

organs. Damage to any of these nerves can cause extreme pain and trouble.

What Causes The Pain?

Nerve pain occurs when a nerve is damaged or disrupted. Normally, the nerves in our nervous

system connect the brain and the spinal cord to the rest of the body and are responsible for

sending signals. These nerves carry signals of physical sensation and if one of these nerves is

damaged, it will not deliver the signal properly.


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Nerve pain is also called peripheral neuropathy and it stops the nerves from functioning

normally. These nerves start to send abnormal signals to the brain causing pain even when

there is no reason for it. Nerve damage can occur from an injury, accident, infection, toxins,

drugs, medical treatment, stress, anxiety, alcohol addiction, systematic illness, or from an

inherited disorder.

How Does It Occur?

Nerve pain can occur due to a variety of reasons. There are almost 100 reasons of possible

nerve damage. Nerve damage is extremely painful and there are many signs that a person with

nerve damage can sense. Many people define nerve pain as a sharp shooting sensation. There

are many types of sensations and pains that nerve damage causes. Some of the most common

symptoms are given below.

Nerve damage can take a person into another state of mind. The pain is so intense that the

person is unable to think properly. The area where the nerves are damaged becomes weak and

the muscles start to twitch. In extreme cases, nerve damage can cause paralysis and other

deadly diseases including heart problems and strokes.

Who Experiences It?

Nerve damage is common in people aged above 50. In older age, people are more susceptible

to fall ill and develop many health conditions. That’s why the sensitive nerves get damaged and

causes nerve pain. Nerve pain is very common in people with diabetes, liver infections,

Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, lupus, bowel disease, myasthenia gravis, cancer, exposure to

chemotherapy, vitamin deficiency, Lyme disease, herpes, HIV, hepatitis C and much more.

1. Tingling

2. Hot and cold sensation on the skin

3. Burning

4. Sweating

5. Weakness

6. Numbness

7. Prickling

8. Light headedness

9. Dry eyes and mouth


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In many cases, nerve damage is also caused by anxiety or stressful situations. When a stressful

situation prevails for a longer time, it affects the nerves and as a result the nerve gets damaged.

The part of the body where the damaged nerve lies experiences different symptoms like

sweating, numbness, sharp pain, etc.

Noticeable Symptoms

1. Tachycardia

A normal adult heart beats 60 to 90 times every

minute. Tachycardia is a medical condition in

which the heart rate exceeds the normal rate.

This makes the heart work hard, which is

dangerous and can cause the heart to fail.

When the heart starts to beat at a faster pace,

there is a high chance of a stroke. A fast beating

heart can cause blood to flow less efficiently,

causing stress on the brain and other parts of

the body, especially the part where the

damaged nerve is located.

Tachycardia can also cause many symptoms that include dizziness, hypotension, panting,

sweating, light headedness, palpitations, fast pulse, and weakness. When a nerve is damaged,

there is a higher chance of heart rate getting out of control.

2. Urinary Problems

Urinary problems occur when there is nerve damage. The nerves carry messages and these

messages need to be transferred to the brain where the information gets processed and then

sent back to the specific organ or muscle to allow it to do its job. When the bladder is full, the

nerves notify the brain.

The nerves carry the message from the brain to either tighten or release the muscles. If the

nerves that will carry this message to the brain are damaged, there will be urinary problems.

Nerve damage can cause different types of urinary problems including an overactive bladder,

urine retention, and difficulty in holding urine due to muscle weakness.


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3. Sexual Problems

Never damage can cause sexual problems, especially erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. A study

conducted on men with impotence and ED revealed that most of them had nerve damage.

Nerve damage can restrict the blood flow to certain parts of the body. As explained earlier,

nerves of different parts of the body need efficient blood supply to work properly. That’s why

many people with nerve damage have a risk of getting paralyzed. Similarly, nerve damage can

cause ED due to problems in blood circulation. Sexual problems like ED occur when there is

damage to the peripheral nervous system.

4. Hypotension

Hypotension is a term used for an extremely low blood pressure just like hypertension is used

for high blood pressure condition. Damage to the nerves in the autonomic nervous system

causes hypotension.

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for carrying out different body functions including

circulation of blood, controlling heart rate, liver functions, eye function, and all those functions

that are automatic. When a person’s blood pressure drops, he/she feels dizziness and light-

headedness.

This occurs mostly when a person with hypotension stands up. If a nerve in

the autonomous nervous system is damaged, the circulation of blood

becomes less effective. The heart pumps less actively, resulting in low blood

pressure. The damaged nerve is unable to supply blood efficiently to the

heart. A person with nerve damage in the ANS is likely to suffer from

hypotension.

Different Types Of Neurosis/Neuropathy/Neuralgia

Neurosis/neuropathy/neuralgia are all terms associated with nerve damage. When we talk

about neurosis, we are actually talking about non-psychotic mental illnesses that cause anxiety,

depression, stress, etc. The scientists of earlier times used this term for conflicts in the

unconscious mind.


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Neuropathy has several types, and each type is based on the type of nerve damaged. Also, in

many cases it is defined and separated into types based on the disease that caused it. Within

the major sections of neuropathy, there are several branches that emerge into a specific kind.

Some of the most common neurosis conditions are given below.

Anxiety Neurosis

Anxiety neurosis is a condition in which people worry about an issue more than they should.

This stress on the mind creates problems in the nerve and damages it. Anxiety neurosis is quiet

common and it is usually caused by stress for a long period of time.

Damage to the nerves in anxiety neurosis causes muscle tension, sweating, shortness of breath,

palpitation, fatigue, nausea, digestion problems, etc. Anxiety is something that everyone

experiences but everyone’s level varies. A person that constantly worries about something

causes damage to his/her nerves.

Anxiety neurosis has a very intense impact on the brain and it also leads to constant worry and

fear of failing. People with anxiety neurosis are unable to perform at work, school, college, and

also have attitude problems. Anxiety neurosis causes sleep disorders and due to lack of sleep,

people suffering from anxiety neurosis feel irritated most of the time.

Extreme anxiety can make people do things that they normally wouldn’t and when someone is

at the peak of anxiety neurosis, he/she is more likely to cause damage to himself/herself.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a kind of anxiety neurosis in which people suffering from it have a fear of

escaping from certain places and situations. When anxiety neurosis reaches a greater level, a

person might feel fearful of people, places, things, tasks, etc. It is more like a panic disorder and

people suffering from it panic in public places.

Such people often stay at home because they don’t want to be around people. People suffering

from agoraphobia are comfortable with friends and family members but whenever left alone,

they tend to panic and be stressed out. People who have faced extreme panic and/or high

stress situations in the past may suffer from Agoraphobia.


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Such a person relates every situation with it and starts to feel anxious when he/she feels stuck

somewhere. The fear can be for a task that a person wants to do but backs out or quits because

he/she thinks he/she will fail. Nerve damage is seen to cause agoraphobia in many people and

these people find it hard to control themselves.

When a person with agoraphobia is in a situation where he/she feels panic or anxiety, this

person will have symptoms like dizziness, stomach problems, nausea, shortness of breath,

fainting, chest pains and much more. People with agoraphobia can be treated with medicines

and the most effective treatment for it is psychotherapy. Psychotherapy conducted on people

with agoraphobia is usually combined with cognitive behavioral therapy.

Panic

Panic disorder is also caused by nerve damage. Panic disorder and agoraphobia are almost

similar and they have the same symptoms as well. People suffering from a panic disorder have

fear of confined or crowded spaces, certain places where they find it hard to exit, etc. Panic

disorder is usually caused after a panic attack. In this disorder, a person could feel stressed and

find it hard to maintain self-control.

The person suffering from panic disorder will have the

following symptoms; shortness of breath,

hypertension, dizziness, excessive sweating, stomach

ache, chills, hot flashes, trembling, feeling of choking,

etc. Panic attacks are also caused in situations where

a person feels nervous. These attacks can sometimes

be very dangerous as the person experiencing panic

loses control over himself/herself. When a nerve is

damaged, disrupted signals from the neurons in the

nerves reach the brain which causes problems like

panic and anxiety. Panic disorder can be treated with

psychotherapy and anti-depressants. Medical experts

and psychologists prefer treating patients by training

them to cope with panicky situations.


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Postherpetic Neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia is triggered by shingles which is caused by the chickenpox virus.

Postherpetic neuralgia is a rash and it is very painful. In most of the cases, shingles disappear

within a few days but if the rash stays for a long time, it causes damage to the nerve cells and

the skin.

That’s why it is associated with nerve damage conditions. Just as chickenpox are likely to

appear at a younger age, shingles appear in people aged 50 and above. Shingles is not entirely

treatable but medicinal experts have developed drugs to ease the pain and the symptoms. The

earlier you get treated, the better are your chances of getting rid of the rash.

There are different types of treatments for postherpetic neuralgia including anti-depressants,

itch cream, and painkillers. The pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia is like a burning sensation

and it is so severe that it disturbs the sleep and appetite of a person suffering from it.

Phantom Limb Pain

Phantom limb pain is a serious condition when a person whose limb has been amputated feels

pain in that area. Nerves on the area of an amputated limb start to send pain signals to the

brain. The brain acts on the signals it receives. That’s why even if the limb is no longer there,

the pain can be felt.

A person with phantom limb pain feels extreme pain, hot and cold sensations, tingling, and

cramping in that area. Phantom limb pain that persists for more than six months is hard to be

treated. Even with medicinal treatment, phantom limb pain doesn’t entirely go away and a

person still feels little pain.

There are a number of ways through which phantom limb pain can be treated including heat

therapy, surgery, physiotherapy, massage, neurostimulation, anti-depressant drugs, muscle

relaxing therapy, and electrical therapy.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the carpal tunnel located on the side of your

wrist gets damaged. People suffering from this condition may feel numbness, tingling and a

variety of other symptoms in the hand, wrist and arm.


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Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by damage to the hand, disease, illness, anatomy of

your wrist, and certain underlying causes. When the nerve that is protected by the carpal

tunnel is compressed, a person feels numbness and tingling feeling. The hand also gets sweaty,

painful and the muscles become weak.

In carpal tunnel syndrome, the hand function is greatly affected. The nerve that controls the

function of your fingers and hands are affected and as a result you find it hard to hold objects.

Another common symptom of the carpal tunnel syndrome is the feeling of numbness and

tingling. This feeling often extends from the hand to the arms.

The hand may also tremble due to muscle weakness. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome

can cause a lot of problems and a person suffering from it may find it hard to maintain a healthy

lifestyle.

There is a high risk of the nerve getting damaged if the condition is not treated in the early

stage. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with the help of medicines, corticosteroids, wrist

splinting, anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgery.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a pain condition that is caused by damage to the sciatic nerve extending from the

lower back to buttocks, hips and both legs. Sciatica usually affects one side of the lower body

and is caused by a herniated disc in your spine, bone overgrowth, sleeping on a soft mattress,

sitting or lying in a wrong posture, compressed vertebrae, diabetes, etc. Sciatica is very painful

and makes a person suffer. The pain in most cases is severe that leads to problem in sleeping

and eating. When the sciatic nerve is compressed or damaged, the pain is irritating and

discomforting.

Many people with sciatica often feel numbness and tingling in the affected limb or area. If the

damage to the sciatic nerve is severe and one does not get it treated in time, the pain extends

to the foot and toe as well. Sciatic pain is also caused by an injury or accident that may have

caused damage to the sciatic nerve. Take for example a man that works in an IT company.

He spends 9 hours daily sitting in a chair that is not comfortable.


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This person is more likely to damage his sciatic nerve. Many doctors treat sciatica with anti-

inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, steroids, muscle relaxants, anti-depressants and in

severe cases with the help of surgery. If a person does not get it treated, he/she might incur

bowel dysfunction.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

The trigeminal nerve is responsible for facial and motor functions like chewing, biting, etc.

When this nerve is damaged, a sharp sensation of pain can be felt and this condition is known

as trigeminal neuralgia.

The pain can be felt when brushing teeth,

touching the face, applying anything on the

face, chewing a gum, and much more. The

trigeminal nerve connects the face and the

head and damage to it can cause severe pain.

People suffering from trigeminal neuralgia

can feel the pain in the forehead, face, gums,

jaws, brain, and area around the eyes. An

MRI can help find the cause of trigeminal

neuralgia.

In some people, the pain occurs on a single side of the face and in others, it occurs on both

sides at the same time. This pain is declared as one of the most painful conditions. Trigeminal

neuralgia can be treated with the help of drugs, painkillers, surgery, meditation, acupuncture,

chiropractic, etc. This type of nerve damage is more common in women than in men.

Diabetic Neuropathy

People suffering from diabetes have extremely high blood sugar levels. This condition causes

extreme damage to the nerves and the nerves stop giving pain signals to the brain.

Subsequently, injuries and infections are extremely harmful for diabetic patients. That’s why

people with diabetes are asked to stay safe from injuries because it can cause damage to the

nerves, which may result in amputation.


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In diabetic neuropathy, the parts of the body that gets affected the most are feet and legs.

Diabetic neuropathy is not as painful as other types of neuropathy and may only cause light

pain, numbness, burning sensation, and tingling in the legs and foot.

People suffering from diabetic neuropathy are suggested to be extra careful towards their skin

and feet. Regular skin and foot care treatments eliminate the risk of infections and injuries.

Diabetic neuropathy is of four types – focal, proximal, peripheral, and autonomic. Each type of

diabetic neuropathy has a different set of symptoms.

Central Pain Syndrome

Central Pain Syndrome is actually another word used for nerve pain as it occurs due to damage

to the brainstem, brain, and spinal cord, which together form the CNS. Central Pain Syndrome is

painful and is caused by a number of conditions including amputation, injury, Parkinson’s

disease, spinal cord trauma, multiple sclerosis, stroke, etc.

The pain varies depending upon the area that is damaged and is often described as a burning

feeling. Central Pain Syndrome is common in people that live in colder areas. People suffering

from Central Pain Syndrome are usually sensitive to touch, emotions, temperature, and

movement. The areas that get most affected by Central Pain Syndrome are the hands and feet.

People with CPS might feel painful sensations and lose the feeling of touch in the affected parts.

Many heart patients develop CPS as it usually occurs after a stroke. The pain can be reduced by

using pain medication but not everyone reacts in the same way to these medicines. There is no

solid treatment for CPS but the pain can be reduced by having anti-depressants that reduce the

stress level and puts the mind at peace. Stress has a major role in CPS as it is one of the major

reasons of damage to the CNS.

Pudendal Neuralgia

A problem in the pudendal nerve or damage to it can cause pudendal neuralgia. Pudendal

nerve that runs through your pelvic region, urethra, anus and perineum can be harmed and

causes pain. When the areas near the pelvis get affected, pudendal neuralgia occurs. Pudendal

neuralgia can be found in both men and women. The pain from pudendal nerve dysfunction

occurs when a person sits.


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The symptoms can vary from itching, hot and cold sensation, numbness, feeling of a lump in the

genital area, painful intercourse, etc. There are several underlying causes of pudendal neuralgia

which are; trauma or damage to the nerve due to an accident or fall, sitting for long hours,

carpel tunnel syndrome, infection, autoimmune illness, nerve entrapment, nerve displacement,

any kind of surgery.

Pudendal neuralgia can be treated if it hasn’t moved to the worst stage. If left un-treated, the

pain can worsen with time and can take up permanent residence. Pudendal neuralgia can be

treated with physical therapy which involves muscle strengthening. Surgery is another

treatment option for pudendal neuralgia but it should be your last resort. Some doctors also

suggest Botox and medication to treat pudendal neuralgia.


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Diagnosing The Nerve Pain

Diagnostic tests play an important role in treating any kind of condition or disease. Nerve pain

diagnosis can be made easily with the help of a physician. There is a vast variety of diagnostic

tests and techniques used by physicians to detect a nerve damage that is causing the pain. Due

to the advancement in technology, a damaged nerve can be detected with tests that show

nerve activity in real time. Diagnosing neurosis also depends upon the symptoms of a patient.

Some of the ways through which nerve damage can be detected are given below.

Patient’s History

During the process of diagnosing nerve pain, it is essential that medical professionals and

physicians ask about patient’s history. When a patient visits a physician, it is asked to provide

his/her medical history. This history includes all the tests and medications the patient had been

prescribed. This helps experts get a direction for their study and diagnosis. Another important

part of a patient’s history includes asking question to the patient.

When a patient visits a physician or a medical professional for the diagnosis of nerve damage,

he/she should be asked question that would explain the problem well. This is the easiest way of

getting on to a result because the symptoms that a person with nerve damage has. Patient’s

history should be considered a vital part of the diagnosing process. Once a medical professional

has all the information about the patient, he/she can easily conduct the relevant test and find

out about the problem.


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Physical Examination

Physical examination is another important step in the diagnosis process. A patient who comes

to a doctor for diagnosis of nerve damage will go through a series of physical tests, all based on

neurological examination. A neurological exam is a set of different tests done physically by your

doctor.

These tests include examination of motor and sensory nerves, cranial nerves, coordination,

reflexes, movement, mental status, blood flow to the brain and much more. These simple

examination techniques allow a professional to get closer to the problem and diagnose the

exact nerve that is damaged.

Electromyography

First of all, when a patient with nerve pain approaches a doctor, he/she is put onto a mental

examination. In this examination, the doctor asks a series of questions from the patient. The

doctor might also ask the patient to do some tasks to get to know the mental state of the

patient. The most common techniques for a mental exam are:

These techniques and tests allow a doctor to analyze a patient on the basis of his/her score. All

of the test and questions are based on the symptoms of a person with nerve pain/damage.

Recalling specific names, objects, etc.

Copying shapes

Repeat a list

Memory check

Abstract thinking

Naming simple objects and things

Asking patients about their mood.

Analyzing different moods and feelings.

Asking about depression and thoughts of suicide


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Nerve Function Tests

Different nerves are responsible for different functions. Each group of nerves hold important

body functions, that’s why testing their efficiency and reaction can help medical experts

diagnose a damaged nerve. There are three types of nerve function tests that include; cranial,

motor, and sensory.

Motor Nerves

Motor nerves are responsible for voluntary body functions like movement of hands, legs, etc.

Doctors conduct a motor nerve test to determine whether the damage is on a motor nerve or

not. The impulses from motor nerves are carried to the brain and the spinal cord. A person with

damage to motor nerves might have weak muscles that can easily be identified by his/her

movement.

A doctor might ask the patient to stand and walk to see if any muscle is showing signs of

weakness. The doctors also look at other factors that are caused by damage to the motor

nerves. This nerve examination is only conducted after the patient’s history and symptoms have

been noted down. If the patient complains about twitching of a muscle, the doctor will conduct

a motor nerve exam to confirm it.

This test will include a series of examinations that a doctor will conduct on a patient including

checking muscle weakness, increase in muscle size, increase or decrease in muscle tone, muscle

twitching, and tremor. A doctor might check muscle strength by asking to pull and push an

object or by applying force. Muscle movement is tested by asking the patient to relax

completely and checking movement in any muscle.

Sensory Nerves

Sensory nerves are responsible for carrying bodily sensations to the brain including hot and cold

sensations, pain, touch, vibration, etc. The doctors check for damage in the activity of the brain

and spinal cord related to sensory functions. If a person with nerve pain comes for a check-up, a

doctor might test the numb body part or area with the help of a pin.


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The doctors check if the patient can feel sharp and smooth surfaces. Similarly, doctors conduct

tests for hot and cold sensation and vibration on a particular part of the body that is numb or

affected.

Cranial Nerves

A cranial nerve is damaged due to an illness, injury, trauma, impaired blood flow, or tumor. The

nerve damage can cause harm to the functions of nose, ears, eyes, face, throat, tongue,

shoulders and other organs. To identify damage to the cranial nerves, doctors conduct tests

that will show the signs of damage. For a woman that has weak smelling senses, the doctor

might test her by asking her to smell a certain fragrance.

Electromyography

For a nerve damage to be diagnosed, many doctors use electromyography to record the activity

of the muscles. Our muscles send out electrical signal upon movement. To track the electric

current, electromyography is conducted. Abnormal electrical signals from the muscles may

indicate that there is a problem. Muscle weakness occurs due to nerve damage and EMG helps

find out the weakness point.

An EMG is conducted with the help of a needle that is inserted in various parts of the body and

the patient is asked to move a particular part of the body, for example legs. Due to the activity

or muscle movement, an electrical wave is generated, which reveals information about the

particular muscle movement and response. Weak muscles might send out abnormal electrical

waves that can be detected by the wave formation.

X-Ray

An x-ray of the skull, chest or any other affected area is conducted

when a patient comes in with nerve damage. X-rays do not show

tissues of the body but they show the bones. With the help of x-ray,

doctors can point out a fracture or problem in the structure. This is one

of the most common procedures which is conducted for diagnosis of

nerve damage. Radiography is a common type of x-ray procedure but

there are several new ways with which doctor’s can see damaged

tissues and ligaments.


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Nerve Conduction Test

A nerve conduction test is performed to find damaged nerves. This is a more detailed test in

which not only the nerves are tested but the ranches that spread out of these nerves are

checked. A nerve conduction test is very similar to an EMG. In both the tests, an electrical signal

is passed through a diode and into the body.

In this test, instead of needles acting as diodes, small metal discs are attached at various parts

of the body using a tape or paste. The result of this test shows how efficiently a muscle reacts

by noting the electrical signals from the muscles.

Nerve damage can be diagnosed using many other tests and procedures. Some of the other

diagnosis techniques are:

1. Discography

2. Computed tomography

3. Biopsy

4. Angiography

5. Brain scans

6. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis

7. Electroencephalography

8. CT scan

9. Electronystagmography

10. Magnetic Resonance Imaging

(MRI)

11. Polysomnogram

12. Ultrasound

13. Thermography


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Freeing Yourself From Nerve Pain

Nerve pain occurs due to a number of causes. Some have this pain because of an illness, and

some have it as a reaction to medication. Either way, nerve pain can be very painful and can put

anyone into a miserable state. A damaged nerve sends out abnormal signals to the brain. As a

result, the pain is felt. Peripheral neuropathy is very common and totally treatable.

The pain might not go away completely, but with the help of different treatments it is said to

lower down the pain. Nerve damage can occur due to illness, injury, drug reaction, sclerosis,

diabetes, vitamin deficiency, cancer, chemotherapy, accident, etc. It is suggested that people

who are suffering from nerve pain consult a doctor and find out treatment options as soon as

possible. If the nerve damage is left untreated, it is most likely to intensify with time.

Holistic Pain Relief Remedies

Healthy Eating Habits

When we talk about natural treatment options, we are actually talking about harmless ways of

getting rid of a certain illness. People with nerve pain have a variety of treatment options. Most

of the natural remedies for nerve pain revolve around healthy living. People who have nerve

pain should be careful of their diet. They should not eat foods that may elevate the pain. If your

nerve is damaged due to diabetes, vitamin deficiency, etc, you can make a habit of eating foods

that can ease the pain.

Vitamin C Foods

Consuming vitamin C rich foods can ease the pain caused

by nerve damage. Foods rich in vitamin C are: bell peppers,

chili peppers, kale, papaya, oranges, limes, Brussels

sprouts, tomatoes, cherries, strawberries, thyme, etc.


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Vitamin B12 Foods

Nerve damage occurs when the protective coat of a nerve is damaged or exposed. This

protective layer can be healed by eating foods rich in vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 rich foods are:

mostly sea food including sardines, shrimp, scallops, snapper, venison and other foods including

beef, lamb loin, etc. Find foods with high amount of Vitamin B12 and make a habit of

consuming them in great quantity.

Water

Water is an essential part of our day to day life and we need to consume a lot of

water to stay healthy, fit and alert. Similarly, people with neuropathic pain should

consume a fairly good amount of water to stay fit. Nerve damage can intensify if a

person consumes a lesser amount of water. Drinking water excessively can

eliminate the chances of a muscle spasm and poor blood flow.

Anti-Oxidant Foods

People with neuropathic pain have damaged nerve tissues that can be healed by consuming

food rich with anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidant foods can help heal the damaged nerve tissue and

protect a person from the risk of different cancers and diseases. Foods packed with anti-

oxidants are: blueberries, strawberries, red grapes, pomegranate, garlic, carrots, spinach,

broccoli, green tea, dark chocolate, tomatoes, etc.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

When our body’s immune system works abnormally, it starts to attack its own tissues instead of

attacking bacteria and foreign bodies. As a result, inflammation occurs and causes damage to

nerves and extreme pain. This damage can be healed by consuming foods rich in omega3.

Foods that have excess amount of omega3 fatty acids are: soybeans, shrimp, cold water fishes,

flaxseeds, walnuts, etc.


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Capsaicin

Capsaicin is a cream like substance that is extracted from chili peppers. This cream can be

applied to the skin of an affected area or muscle. Capsaicin is most commonly used for the

treatment of shingles. This creamy extract relieves pain when applied on a patch of skin.

Similarly many people use botanical oils derived from herbs for pain relief.

Relaxation And Meditation

Nerve pain or any other type of neuropathy can be treated to an extent using natural

ingredients and remedies. The pain caused by a damaged nerve is so intense that it creates

problem in our regular activities. Relaxation, meditation and even yoga can help ease the pain.

Many doctors and psychiatrists ask their patients to take part in yoga or have some time alone

to relax and to relieve stress.

Nerve pain is majorly caused by stress and anxiety. This stress can be due to any reason and can

be treated by eliminating stressful thoughts from the mind. The relationship between the mind

and the body is enhanced by relaxation therapies. Relaxation therapy can be of several types

including hypnosis.

Hypnosis is a technique that puts the mind away from stress by distracting it. That’s why many

doctors ask their patients to distract themselves when they are having a painful episode.

Therapists make use of pleasant thoughts to distract a patient’s mind from stress and tensions.

In meditation, therapists also ask the patient to repeat certain words or sentences known as

‘mantra’. Meditation and relaxing therapies are so effective that they can ease the pain and

boost confidence in many people with nerve pain.

Alternative Pain Relief Measures

Nerve pain or neuropathic pain cannot completely vanish out of anyone’s life. There are some

natural ways to deal with it and some alternative ways with which people suffering from nerve

pain can lower down the intensity of the pain. There are a number of alternative pain relief

remedies including the most prominent ones given below.


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Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is very effective for people with nerve pain. It helps in muscle movement,

balance, joint stiffness, motion limitations and helps relieve pain, numbness, weakness,

hypersensitivity and much more. Many doctors and medical experts believe that physical

therapy can improve the muscles and make the body stronger which eases the pain caused by

nerve damage.

Exercise helps stimulate the mind and the body. It puts our strength in the right place and helps

us fight with our weaknesses. Physiotherapists make use of all the equipment and technology

available to them including shock therapy, hot and cold therapy, etc. Different therapies along

with exercise help relieve neuropathic pain. Some of the most common physical therapy

procedures are:

1. Functional activities

2. Electrical stimulation

3. Thermal modalities

4. Soft tissue techniques

5. Therapeutic exercise

6. Vibration platforms

7. Ultrasound

8. Near infrared phototherapy

9. Spinal and peripheral mobilization

10. Balance systems and force plates


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Massage Therapy

Painful muscle spasms caused by neuropathy can be relieved with help of massage therapy.

Massage therapies can either completely relieve the pain or intensify it in some cases. Many

people with neuropathic pain strengthen their muscles with help of massage therapy. Massage

therapy works on the affected area and muscle. Massage therapies are also said to have a

soothing affect on people. These therapies involve the patients and release tension from their

minds.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese technique of treating peripheral neuropathy. People

suffering from peripheral neuropathy experience a variety of symptoms including numbness,

pins and needles sensation, hot and cold sensation, and much more. Acupuncture is a process

that helps restore blood flow in the damaged or pinched nerves. It makes the blood flow

efficient and eases the pain. Acupuncture targets the affected organs and body parts with the

help of needles that are inserted at different stimulation points in the body.

Counseling

Another therapy suggested for nerve pain is counseling. This usually comes at a later stage

when people suffering from extreme chronic pain are addicted to pain killers. Pain relief

medicines are part of the nerve pain treatment and many medical professionals prescribe

them. These medicines sometimes work but they don’t make the pain go away completely.

That’s why when patients get a short time solution to their pain; they start to take pain

medicines on a regular basis. For such people, many doctors prefer counseling or group therapy

sessions so that they could get their minds off the pain killers. Many counselors promote

physical therapy, yoga and meditation to such patients.

Anti-Depressants/Anticonvulsants/Pain Relief Drugs

People suffering from nerve pain have a hard time dealing with the

pain. The pain is excruciating and many doctors suggest pain relieve

medicines as the first treatment option. Many medical experts use

anticonvulsants, anti-depressants, and pain relief drugs to lower the

intensity of the pain, though medicines and pain killers might not be a

final treatment option and everyone reacts to drugs differently.


38

Some people with peripheral neuropathy got hold of their condition with the help of

prescription drugs, while others undergo a continuous treatment with no solid result. Anti-

depressants and pain relief medicines can have numerous side-effects including low blood

pressure, an upset stomach, dizziness, blurred vision, etc. Treating nerve pain with prescription

medicines can make the patient addicted to them. That’s why it is important for medical

professionals to study their effects and keep the drug treatment for a short period of time. As

neuropathy is a condition that is directly associated with depression and anxiety, that’s why

many doctors and experts choose anti-depressants for treatment of the pain.

Traditional Pain Relief Medicines

Other than prescription drugs, there are many traditional pain relief medicines available in the

market. Many people with chronic pain do not go directly for prescription medicines because

these medicines have numerous side-effects. There are different creams and gels in the market

that can be applied to the affected area or the part where the pain occurs. These medicines

help soothe the pain and provide comfort without any risk. Many people consume vitamin

enriched supplements to control nerve pain.

Psychological Treatments

Many medical experts connect neuropathic pain to psychology. They say that the underlying

cause of nerve pain is associated with psychological conditions such as trauma, depression,

anxiety, stress, and tension. These mental states can make the pain worse sometimes and

nerve pain is rooted towards these conditions. Treating a nerve pain patient with individual

therapies, coping therapies, yoga, meditation, relaxation, hypnosis, etc, are all part of

psychological treatment process. These therapies and treatment methods focus on making a

person feel happy and content. Therapists try to engage patients’ mind towards another task or

thing so that they do not feel pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy and pain management

programs help nerve pain patients cope with pain and clear their mind from anxiety and

depression.


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Latest Findings And Conclusion

Millions of people in the world suffer from chronic pain caused by nerve damage. But there are

no solid treatment procedures for neuropathy. People with chronic pain have tried pain

medication, surgery, alternative pain relief methods, physiotherapy, psycho therapy and much

more but they find themselves helpless. Nerve pain is an extremely painful condition that

interrupts with a person’s day to day life. This pain is so severe that it often keeps a person’s

mind under great stress.

Coping with nerve pain is not an easy task that’s why many researchers, medical experts, and

scientists are investing their time and effort into finding solution to neuropathy and the

diseases that follow with it. The advancement in medical equipment and technology has made

it easier for experts to get onto a lead and find ways in which neuropathic pain can be treated

completely. Some of the prominent and latest findings and research by scientists, doctors and

experts are given below.

Protein Lrp1

A latest study by a neuroscientist Wendy Campana, who is a PhD, associate professor in UC San

Diego's Department of Anesthesiology suggests that a protein in Schwann cells present in

peripheral nerves is responsible for healing the damaged nerves. This key protein is known as

LRP1 which normalizes the interaction between the Schwann cells and the axon.

Schwann cells and axons interact to heal a damaged nerve and LRP1 has been proven to

improve the regeneration of damaged nerve cells. A capsule containing LRP1 protein will help

heal damaged nerves and may also completely treat peripheral neuropathy.

Plastic Surgery

A recent study by ASPS Member Surgeon Bahman Guyuron suggests that migraine from nerve

damage can be treated with the help of plastic surgery. The myelin sheath is a protective layer

around the nerve fiber and damage or exposed myelin sheath causes nerve problems and

migraine.


40

Take for example a window that is cracked and the insulation on it is damaged. Cold air in the

winter will enter the house making the indoor environment chilly. Similarly, myelin is an

insulation layer or a protective sheet that keeps the cranial nerves intact. It is usually damaged

by the surrounding structure and blood vessels causing chronic pain conditions and severe

headaches.

Dr. Bahman Guyuron suggests that a cosmetic surgery to remove little muscles around the

cranial nerves or a forehead lifting procedure will help improve the headaches. The cosmetic

surgery will repair the damaged myelin layer, helping the nerves stay intact and harmless to the

surroundings.

Lkb1 Gene

Another study conducted by scientists from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

suggests that with the help of a tumor compressing gene called LKB1, the damage to the

protective coating of the nerves can be regenerated.

Myelin, which is a protective layer on the nerve cells, is made up of high levels of lipids. These

lipids are made up of citric acid, which is formed in mitochondria. The myelin sheath will be

perfect if the citric acid is produced effectively in mitochondria through a metabolic process

called critical metabolic enzyme citrate synthase. LKB1 gene is said to improve the metabolic

rate of the cells and help them create a thick myelin layer for protection of the nerves.

The study was conducted on a lab mice and deficiency of LKB1 genes resulted in a poor shift

from glycolytic to mitochondrial metabolism that caused various symptoms of extreme nerve

damage. For a nerve to stay intact, the myelin sheath should not be thin or else it will get

damaged causing peripheral neuropathy, stroke, neurological disorders, hind limb dysfunction,

muscle atrophy, and pre-mature death (as noted in the mice).

Enzyme Isolation

Neuroscientist Gerald Zamponi and his team at the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain

Institute conducted a research to find a solution to nerve pain caused by peripheral

neuropathy.


41

They say that the painful sensations are all related to the brain and the nerve impulses sent to

the brain by the affected parts of the body. These impulses travel through a calcium channel to

the brain causing chronic pain. Zamponi, along with his colleagues, suggested that this

communication between the calcium channel and the enzymes can be disrupted by stopping

the right molecule.

The research is still in process as Zamponi and his friends are trying to pick out the exact

molecules that communicate information and once they find it, they will isolate it and make a

drug out of it. This drug will improve painful conditions that occur due to neuropathy.

Our nervous system is huge and performs various functions. Damage to the nerves in our

nervous system causes nerve pain, which can be treated by finding the solution within our

system. Scientists and experts are working day and night to find a clue that would help alleviate

and cure the problems faced by neuropathic patients.

With the help of technology, innovation, advancement, and education, finding solutions to

problems like nerve pain is made easy. Nerve pain messes up with our natural system and

makes us weak.

By adopting healthy habits, worrying less, and exercising more, we can reduce the pain and live

a normal life.

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