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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