29 Dec Understanding the Symptoms and Treatments of Nerve Pain
Nerve pain happens when the nerves that carry messages to the brain get damaged or stop working correctly. These sensations may feel like tiny pinpricks or strong bursts of electricity. Identifying which specific nerves are causing the pain helps healthcare providers create a treatment plan. Care may focus on calming these overactive signals to decrease instances of pain. Here is more information about nerve pain and some potential treatments:
Nerve Pain Types
There are three main types of nerve pain, or neuralgia: post-herpetic, occipital, and pudendal. Post-herpetic neuralgia usually shows up after a shingles rash has already healed. This specific condition happens because the virus damages nerve fibers, so they can no longer send clear signals. Many people describe this as a burning or sharp pain that stays in the same spot where the rash first appeared. The area might remain tender for quite a while because the nerves stay irritated even after the skin looks normal.
Occipital neuralgia involves the nerves that travel from the neck up into the scalp. This problem causes a stabbing ache at the base of the head that can move toward the forehead or ears. These sudden bursts may feel like a quick electric shock that lasts for seconds or minutes. Simple actions such as washing your hair or resting your head on a pillow can sometimes trigger these sharp sensations.
Pudendal neuralgia affects the sensitive area between the legs known as the saddle region. Pain starts when the pudendal nerve gets squeezed or irritated deep within the pelvis. Many individuals find that sitting down makes the symptoms feel much worse because of the added pressure. In some cases, the area might feel numb or like there is a heavy object pressing against the pelvic floor.
Nerve Pain Symptoms
Nerve damage often creates a very specific, sharp pain that appears unexpectedly and without an injury. These sensations might resemble a sudden poke or a jolt. Unlike a typical muscle ache, these electrical signals come from nerves that are firing when they should not be. Tracking when these bursts happen helps doctors figure out which part of the nervous system may need attention. Symptoms frequently get worse at night, and the level of discomfort can change from day to day. Changes in physical activity or stress levels can also cause the sensitivity to flare up unexpectedly.
Nerve Pain Treatments
Ketamine infusion therapy may be an option for people who have not found relief with other treatments. This treatment can be administered in a medical office or, in some cases, at home. Ketamine can be administered through an IV in the arm while in a professional office. The medication works by affecting the pain receptors in the brain to help them reset.
Home ketamine treatment provides a way to experience treatment benefits without visiting the clinic every time. Patients can use this therapy in several forms, including a nasal spray, a pill, or a tablet that dissolves in the mouth. A provider can help decide which form is the best fit for the specific type of pain being treated.
Learn More About Treatment Options
Getting an evaluation for nerve pain symptoms is the first step toward finding a treatment plan. Using a mix of treatments, like office visits and home tablets, can help keep care consistent. For more information about how ketamine treatments may help with neuralgia, consult a healthcare provider near you.
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