There are many options for treating pain caused by neuralgia, but none is more popular than undergoing surgery. While it may seem that a surgical procedure is the only way to relieve this condition, there are actually a number of other less invasive treatments as well. This includes the use of a traction device and heat and ice treatments. Many individuals seek medical assistance when they are experiencing this condition because it can be incredibly painful and frustrating. Because of this, it's important to have a thorough understanding of what treatment options are available.
One of the first forms of neuralgia treatment that most people seek is the use of pain medications. These pain medications are often provided by a physician or anesthesiologist. Depending on your particular condition, these medications might work just fine. For example, anti-inflammatory medications work great for those who experience pain from swelling or inflammation. However, for those with chronic inflammation or nerve damage, these medications can result in unwelcome side effects.
Popular forms of Neuralgia treatment
Another popular form of treatment includes the use of injected corticosteroids. However, patients must be given the medication throughout the entire length of the cortisone shot. Some patients may experience significant side effects from these injections, while others will notice little change in their condition. For example, some individuals experience nausea, dizziness and lightheadedness. These side effects can make a surgical treatment option for severe cases of neuralgia unattractive.
If the pain isn't too severe, many doctors recommend performing a more minor form of therapy known as microvascular decompression. Microvascular decompression has recently become a popular method of treating neuralgia because it does not require surgery. The technique involves using sterile needles to inject a special saline solution into a specific nerve. The process of performing microvascular decompression relies on the fact that some muscles help to pull the nerve away from the injury. Once the flow of the fluid is eliminated, the pressure on the nerve begins to decrease, which helps to reduce inflammation.
Patients who are undergoing neuralgia are encouraged to try to relax every day. The best way to do this is to lie down, rest your head in a soft pillow, and gently tilt the head back and forth. Another natural treatment option is to exercise, which can help you to both prevent pain from occurring and increase the effectiveness of any pain relievers that you're currently taking. Many physicians recommend yoga, as it can help you to not think about your problems. Relaxation exercises also help you focus on the positive things in your life, which can often alleviate the symptoms of neuralgia. These techniques are particularly effective when performed before bedtime or immediately following a stressful event.
In most cases, physicians recommend complete resolution of the problem rather than waiting for the symptoms to go away. However, if the symptoms persist even after a patient has completed a complete resolution of the condition, the doctor may recommend neurosurgery, where the affected nerves are actually cut or destroyed. The good news is that many doctors believe this method is much safer than performing massage or other forms of therapy, because it doesn't involve the use of any medication. Doctors don't want patients to be aware of how their body works so they recommend using neurosurgery only as a last resort. When in doubt, it's best to consult with a physician anyway.
Because the causes of the disease can be very complex, it's sometimes necessary to treat patients with more than one type of treatment. If a patient has moderate to severe pain caused by an injury that has not been fully resolved, he or she may need to receive additional pain medications. Spinal injections are often recommended in these cases, as they help to increase the amount of blood flowing to the spinal cord. Unfortunately, these medications must be administered each day, and many patients do not relish the thought of having to deal with the associated pain medications each day. If you have tried other treatments and haven't had success, you should give serious consideration to receiving spinal injections.
If a patient also suffers from facial pain along with the onset of neurological difficulties, there may be no way to alleviate the pain without treating the underlying neurological issue. In some cases, the doctor may recommend surgery to treat the pain from damaged nerves, or to remove the offending nerve. Surgeons can perform open-angle glaucoma surgery that involves making a small incision inside the mouth and then cutting through the bone. When the nerve is damaged, the surgeon is then able to remove the portion of the nerve that is affected, relieving the patient of his or her discomfort. Many people prefer to undergo surgery rather than take oral pain medications, which are not effective in the long run.