Nerve pain can be caused by a variety of issues, from injuries to diseases to exposure to toxins. Choosing the best nerve pain relief will typically depend on which type of treatment is most effective for addressing the particular person's issue. Whenever possible, treatment which resolves the underlying cause of the pain is the best approach. There are many types of pain medications that can offer relief, though they are often only temporary solutions. Alternative treatments including massage, acupuncture, and homeopathy may be useful for longer-term management of pain if the root cause is a chronic condition.
In certain cases, nerve pain relief comes from correcting the problem causing it. Acute injuries may result in nerve compression or inflammation. Often, treatments like rest, stretching, and physical therapy can help the damage heal, which in turn relieves the pain.
Nutritional deficiencies can lead to nerve damage and pain. Taking a supplement for the necessary nutrients can alleviate this. Nerve pain can be a side effect of taking some drugs, in which case an alternate form of treatment might be sought. Sometimes surgery for issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome may be necessary to correct the problem.
There are a variety of drugs that can offer nerve pain relief. Painkillers such as aspirin or NSAIDs may be useful for minor pain, while prescription pain medications may be needed in more severe cases. Certain types of antidepressant medications have been shown to ease nerve pain, as well as some anti-seizure medications. One concern with this approach, however, is its effectiveness over the course of time. Drugs can become less effective as the body becomes accustomed to them, and certain ones may also have the potential to be addictive, so for chronic nerve pain sufferers they may not be the best choice.
For long-term pain management, some patients may choose from a variety of alternative treatments which have been shown to offer nerve pain relief, as they may be considered safer and more reliable than drugs. Acupuncture and acupressure have both proven to be effective techniques for many sufferers. Massage, either by a therapist or using a handheld massager, can be very helpful. Techniques the help take the mind off of the pain, such as hypnosis and meditation, also work for some people.