Treatment for nerve pain - Neuralgia

Do you suffer pains travelling into legs, arm, face?
Is the pain sharp and shooting or like an intense tooth ache?

Neuralgia is a condition characterised by sharp, shooting or burning pain along the path of a nerve. Neuralgia can be caused by various factors, including nerve compression, inflammation or damage. While any nerve can be affected here are some examples.

Trigeminal Neuralgia: Characterised by sudden, severe facial pain that feels like electric shocks. It commonly affects one side of the face and is often triggered by light touch, chewing or speaking.
Occipital Neuralgia: Causes intense pain along the base of the skull and into the back of the head. It may be triggered by neck movement or pressure on the occipital nerves.
Postherpetic Neuralgia: A complication of shingles where pain persists in the affected area even after the shingles rash has healed.
Post-traumatic Neuralgia: Nerve pain that develops following an injury or trauma in the area.

Conventional treatment for neuralgia.

Conventional treatment for neuralgia involves medications like pain relievers, anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants. Local anesthetics or nerve blocks may be used for temporary relief. Physical therapy, heat/cold therap, and lifestyle changes are also common approaches. Surgery is considered in severe cases that don't respond to other treatments. Collaborating with healthcare providers is essential to create an effective treatment plan.

How we can help you with Osteopathy.

Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to alleviate neuralgia symptoms and address its underlying causes. Here's how osteopaths can help:

Assessment and Diagnosis: Osteopaths begin by conducting a thorough assessment to understand the patient's medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle factors. We use hands-on examination techniques to identify areas of nerve compression, muscular tension or misalignments that may be contributing to the neuralgia.
Gentle Nerve Mobilisation: We use gentle techniques to mobilise and release tension along the affected nerve pathways. By promoting optimal nerve function and relieving pressure, these methods help reduce pain and discomfort associated with neuralgia.
Identifying muscle imbalance: We focus on correcting any imbalances in the musculoskeletal system. By doing so, we can relieve nerve compression caused by tight muscles, helping reducing neuralgia symptoms.
Soft Tissue Techniques: We may use soft tissue techniques, such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy, to address muscle spasms and tension that could be contributing to nerve irritation. By releasing muscle knots and improving blood flow, these methods can alleviate neuralgia pain.
Postural Advice and Exercise: Osteopaths provide guidance on maintaining proper posture and body mechanics to prevent aggravation of the affected nerves. We may recommend specific exercises to strengthen supportive muscles, which can help stabilise the affected area and reduce the risk of nerve compression.
Addressing Contributing Factors: We take an holistic approach to healthcare, considering various factors that may contribute to neuralgia. This includes assessing lifestyle habits, stress levels and other health conditions that may exacerbate the nerve pain. By addressing these contributing factors, osteopaths can support the body's natural healing processes.

It's important to note that while osteopathy can offer significant relief for neuralgia, the treatment's effectiveness may vary depending on the specific cause and severity of the condition. We tailor our approach to each patient's unique needs, aiming to improve overall well-being and quality of life for those dealing with neuralgia.

Located in New Milton, our clinic is convenient for patients travelling from across the New Forest, Christchurch and Highcliffe. There is nearby parking available, along with local bus routes within walking distance. Our goal is to help you reduce pain, restore movement and maintain your health long term.
Book your appointment online or call 01425 517017.

Katherine Terry, Registered Osteopath, BSc (Hons) Ost