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Over-the-counter pain medicines may help relieve pain in some cases of a pinched nerve. Medicines developed to treat epilepsy, such as gabapentin (Gralise) and pregabalin (Lyrica), can also improve nerve pain.
Exercise
A throbbing ache, a shooting pain or even a simple touch can feel like an electric shock when you have nerve pain. Known as neuralgia or neuropathic pain, it’s a type of pain that comes from a health condition that affects your nerves. It’s different from other types of pain because it feels more like a sharp or stabbing sensation.
Exercise, especially walking, can help reduce your nerve pain. Studies show that regular exercise improves the blood flow to your hands and feet, which provides more nutrients for the nerves in those areas.
It may be hard to get moving if your pain levels are high, but it’s important to try. Some people who start to move regularly, even with the support of a physical therapist, find their pain levels decrease and are better able to manage their symptoms. Just remember to take it slow if your pain levels are high and work up to the level of activity that is right for you.
Massage
Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. This can range from light stroking to deep pressure. Massage is widely considered part of integrative medicine and is used to treat many conditions.
Improved sensation is one of the benefits gained from massage. Poor sensation can cause muscles to tighten and tense. This can inhibit the ability for nerve fibres to repair and improve sensation. Massage may help to relax muscles and increase blood flow allowing the nerve fibres to repair themselves.
Massage may also help to deactivate trigger points, which are knots in muscle that can refer pain and other sensations to other parts of the body. This is called trigger point massage and can be done with pressure, vibration, needles or other techniques.
Relaxation Techniques
The hectic pace of modern life can put a strain on your mind and body. Studies show that stress has a direct impact on your physical health. Relaxation techniques can help reduce your stress levels and improve your overall well-being. They may be best for you if they are combined with good nutrition, regular exercise and a supportive social network.
The benefits of relaxation techniques include reduced muscle tension, improved sleep and better moods. Some examples are deep breathing exercises, autogenic training, guided imagery and biofeedback-assisted relaxation. You can learn these practices from a mental health professional or through books, apps and videos.
Relaxation techniques can be difficult for people with certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. If you have any of these conditions, check with your doctor before trying them. It may also take some time to find the right technique for you, so it’s important to make relaxation part of your daily routine.
Yoga
Many people who do yoga say it improves their flexibility, balance and strength. They also feel that it reduces their stress levels and helps them relax.
Studies have found that practicing yoga can help people with a variety of neurologic conditions, such as MS, and other chronic pain syndromes, including headaches, back and neck problems and osteoporosis. However, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting a yoga program.
A study published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal found that 77 people with MS who practiced yoga for 10 weeks had lower fatigue scores than a control group. Researchers think that the benefits of yoga for reducing pain and fatigue may be related to its stress-reduction effects.
The breathing exercises in yoga may also help to ease musculoskeletal agitations, such as those from tight muscles or nerve pain. But, it’s important to use a yoga teacher who is trained in working with people with limited mobility or who have health conditions like high blood pressure, clotting disorders, heart problems or osteoporosis.