Non-prescription Treatments for Nerve Pain

Introduction:

Nerve pain is different from normal tissue pain. When one suffers from tissue pain due to a cut or fall, the nerves transmit the pain message to the brain. But when the nerves themselves get damaged or irritated, they tend to become the origin of pain. This type of nerve pain can be severe and more challenging to treat. Nerve pain is usually managed with prescription-strength medications, but a few over-the-counter (OTC) medications, like topical ointments and creams, can help ease the symptoms.

What Are the Reasons for Nerve Pain?

Neuropathy or nerve pain occurs when the nerves that transmit information to and from the brain and spinal cord get damaged. This can result in the following symptoms:

• Numbness.

• Pain.

• Tingling.

• Weakness in the affected regions.

The following are some common conditions that can cause neuropathy:

• Metabolic disorders like diabetes.

• Stroke, shingles, and blood vessel disease.

• Viral infections like HIV, herpes, or leprosy.

• Autoimmune conditions.

• Vascular malformation.

• Diabetic neuropathy, migraine, and myofascial pain.

• Post-herpetic neuralgia (persistent neuropathic pain that manifests after the resolution of herpes zoster rash).

• Trigeminal neuralgia (a condition in which the trigeminal nerve in the face gets affected).

• Fibromyalgia (widespread pain and tenderness in the muscle).

• Traumatic nerve damage like amputation or spinal cord injury.

It is estimated that nerve pain or neuropathy affects anywhere from 3 to 17 percent of the population.

What Types of Medicines Are Commonly Used to Treat Nerve Pain?

Pain-relieving medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol, and opioid medicines like codeine and morphine usually do not have any effect on nerve pain. Medications used to treat nerve pain commonly act on neurotransmitters (natural chemicals) in the body’s nervous system. Most of these medicines work by ‘calming down’ the activity of the nerves to minimize the hypersensitivity of the nerves to pain.

Many medicines that are used to relieve nerve pain are also used to treat other conditions. Some of these medications include:

• Anti-seizure medications like Pregabalin and Gabapentin.

• Antidepressant medications like Duloxetine and Amitriptyline (usually prescribed in lower doses than those to treat depression).

• Other less commonly used medications include Capsaicin, Lignocaine (a local anesthetic), Tramadol (a pain medicine), and Botulinum toxin A (Botox).

A majority of medications that have an effect on nerve pain can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. Many medicines used to treat nerve pain may not have an immediate effect. It is necessary to gradually increase the dosage so that the side effects do not outweigh the benefits.

What Are the Non-prescription Treatments for Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain can be challenging to treat, and the pain can be severe, causing tingling, numbness, and stinging sensation. A few OTC medications, like Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen, are not very effective in treating nerve pain, and many people might require prescription-strength medications. However, some OTC medications may be beneficial in cases of mild nerve pain or if it is safely combined with prescription medications. A few non-prescription medications are as follows:

• Lidocaine: Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that is commonly present in gels, creams, sprays, or patches. Lidocaine, in combination with other topical creams, can offer relief from nerve pain near the skin surface (peripheral neuropathy). Lidocaine offers temporary relief by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals from the nerve to the brain. Topical lidocaine patches or creams can be applied directly to the affected region, and the numbing effect usually lasts for several hours.

• Capsaicin: Chilli peppers are hot due to the presence of capsaicin. Capsaicin is known to minimize chronic (long-term) nerve pain by making the nerves insensitive to pain messages. Just like Lidocaine, capsaicin is available in many forms, such as creams, gels, ointments, and patches. A little evidence shows that high-concentration (eight percent) capsaicin patches that are available by prescription offer at least minimal pain relief to a few suffering from postherpetic neuralgia.

• Cannabidiol (CBD): Cannabidiol is regarded more as a supplement than a medication. It has the potential to relieve neuropathy and is widely available in drug and vitamin stores. CBD acts by interacting with the endocannabinoid system of the body and helps regulate pain, inflammation, and other body functions. CBD is available as capsules, edibles, oral tinctures, topicals, and inhalable products.

• Menthol: Menthol is a natural compound that is present in peppermint and is a part of many pain-relieving products like gels, sprays, and creams. It produces a cooling sensation on the skin, which distracts the brain from pain and offers temporary relief.

A few people take supplements to gain relief from neuropathic pain, but there is limited research regarding its effectiveness. Supplements can also interact with other drugs that one might be taking, so one needs to consult a physician before taking these supplements. Some of the common supplements include:

• Vitamin B: Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 can aid in maintaining a healthy nervous system. A few individuals may have neuropathic pain due to a B12 deficiency, so it is advisable to eat foods or supplements rich in B vitamins like fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and low-fat dairy products.

• Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Alpha-lipoic acid has an antioxidant property. It offers relief from neuropathic pain, numbness, and tingling in a few individuals. This antioxidant is also present in foods such as broccoli, red meat, spinach, and Brussels sprouts.

• Fish Oil: Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in restoring nerve damage. It can be consumed as a supplement and is also present in foods like oysters, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and anchovies.

• Curcumin: Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric, acts as an antioxidant, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

• N-Acetyl Cysteine: This is the synthetic form of the amino acid cysteine and fights free radicals, which are responsible for causing inflammation.

• Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid that is naturally produced by the body and is also taken to gain relief from neuropathic pain.

Other non-prescription treatments for nerve pain include:

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese approach that has been proven to be beneficial in relieving many kinds of pain. Researchers believe that acupuncture might release certain chemicals that might numb the pain or interfere with the pain signals sent from the nerves.

• Massage: The evidence regarding the efficacy of massage is not clear; however, a few find it to be beneficial in cases of painful muscle spasms.

• Physical Therapy: Nerve damage can result in muscle weakness and wasting, and physical therapy can help reverse this and minimize pain.

• Assistive Devices: Nerve damage can cause pain and can result in muscle weakness. Assistive devices like splints or canes can ease mobility and minimize pain. Ergonomically designed desks and chairs will also help.

• Relaxation: Yoga, stress management techniques, meditation, or deep breathing can help an individual relax and gain relief from stress due to chronic nerve pain and offer relief from pain.

• Hypnosis: There is some evidence that hypnosis might help with various kinds of chronic pain.

• Talk Therapy: Living a life with chronic pain can make one feel depressed, and depression might make the pain feel more intense. Chronic pain can also affect one’s performance at work and at home. Hence, talk therapy sessions with a psychologist may be efficacious.

• Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique in which one learns to control bodily functions that are usually involuntary, like blood pressure and heart rate. With practice, one learns to relax their muscles and minimize tension, which may be helpful in relieving pain.

Are There Any Side Effects of Medications Used to Treat Nerve Pain?

All medications do have certain side effects. One can consult a physician and know about the common side effects of the prescribed medicine. Common side effects of anti-seizure medicines and antidepressants used to treat nerve pain include:

• Dry mouth.

• Drowsiness.

• Weight gain.

• Blurred vision.

In a few people, these side effects get better as their body gets adapted to the medication.

Conclusion:

Mild nerve pain may be treated with non-prescription medications and treatments. However, chronic or severe nerve pain may require prescription-strength medications. Common OTC medications like Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Aspirin are not effective in relieving nerve pain. It is necessary to identify the underlying cause of the pain by consulting a physician. One must discuss with their healthcare provider before adding any supplements, herbal products, or over-the-counter medications.