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Neuralgia, Neuropathy, and Neuritis

Neuralgia, neuropathy, and neuritis are conditions that affected the nerves and/or the nervous system itself.

Neuralgia
Neuralgia is characterized by painful spasms that run along the length of a specific nerve. There are many types of neuralgias, depending upon the nerve or body part that is affected or upon the cause of the neuralgia, such as disease (the most common diseases associated with neuralgia are anemia, gout, diabetes, and syphilis). The most common types of neuralgias are Bell's palsy and trigeminal neuralgia.

Neuropathy
Neuropathy is characterized by disturbances in the nerves outside the spine, which make up the peripheral nervous system. They are usually non-inflammatory in nature, and can be due to disease such as diabetes, pressure from nerve entrapment (as in carpal tunnel syndrome), disk lesions, nutritional deficiencies, or to unknown causes.

Neuritis
Neuritis is inflammatory in nature, with the inflammation occurring in specific nerve or nerve group. Symptoms of neuritis are similar to those of neuralgia and neuropathy, except they more frequently include burning and can be accompanied by swelling and fever and, in some severe cases, episodes of convulsions.

Overall, symptoms of these three conditions range from mild to severe pain, constant or intermittent pain, burning, tingling, and/or stabbing pain.

What To Consider

Neuralgia, neuropathy, and neuritis can be caused by diseases such as anemia, diabetes or thyroid disease, pressure from a tumor, nutrient deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, infection, gout, leukemia, syphilis, alcohol abuse, heavy metal toxicity, or direct trauma. To determine the underlying cause, it is necessary to seek professional medical assistance. Once the underlying cause is detected, it must be properly treated before long-term relieve of nerve symptoms can be achieved.

Self-Care Tips

Diet
Eat an organic, whole foods diet and drink plenty of pure filtered water throughout the day. Also eliminate all caffeinated beverages, refined sugars, cigarettes, and commercial carbonated beverages.

Nutritional Supplementation
The following nutrients can be helpful
vitamin B complex, vitamin B1, vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, Brewers' yeast, calcium, lecithin, and magnesium. Proteolytic enzymes taken away from meals can also be helpful especially in cases of neuritis.

Aromatherapy
Chamomile, eucalyptus, cedarwood, juniper, and/or lavender essential oils massaged into the affected areas can relieve pain.

Herbs
Combine equal parts of the tinctures of St. John's wort, skullcap, oat, and Siberian ginseng. Take one teaspoon of this mixture three times a day. Externally, peppermint oil can be applied to the affected area to relieve pain.

Homeopathy
Useful homeopathic remedies include Belladonna, Aconite, Mag phos., Phytolacca, Chelidonium, Lycopodium, and Arsen alb.

Hydrotherapy
Contrast hot and cold water packs or baths once a day or as needed can help relieve painful symptoms.

Juice Therapy
Parsley, celery, and carrot juice acts as a nerve tonic that can be helpful in mild cases.

Topical Treatment
Apply Epsom salt packs to the effective area.

Caution

If your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional.

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