NeuralgiaOrNeuropathy/Neuritis

Definition

Neuralgia, neuropathy, and neuritis are problems that affect the nerves and/or the central nervous system. Neuralgia is pain along the nerve that is not stimulated by pain receptors. There are many types of neuralgia because it can occur anywhere a nerve is present. Neuralgia is associated with anemia, gout, diabetes, syphilis, trigeminal neuralgia and Bell’s Palsy.

Neuropathy is described as nerve disturbances outside the spine. Combined with the nerves outside of the brain, the spinal nerves make up the peripheral nervous system. These nerves are typically non-inflammatory by nature, but due to diseases, and in some cases unknown causes, inflammation occurs. Typical health problems, which cause neuropathy, include, diabetes, carpal tunnel, lesions, and nutritional deficiencies.
Neuritis is inflammatory in nature, and can affect one nerve or a group of nerves. Neuritis is similar to neuralgia, and neuropathy but it is typically more severe. Symptoms often include burning, swelling, fever and even convulsions.

Symptoms

Symptoms are similar in all three types of nerve problems. The degree of pain, is what separates the three types.

Cause

Neuralgia, neuropathy, and neuritis can be caused by illnesses such as anemia, diabetes or thyroid disease, pressure from a tumor, nutrient deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, infection, gout, leukemia, syphilis, excessive drinking, heavy metal toxicity, or physical trauma. To determine the underlying cause, it is necessary to seek professional medical help. Once the underlying cause is detected, it must be correctly treated before long-term relief is possible.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Chamomile, eucalyptus, cedarwood, juniper, and rose essential oils massaged into affected areas may relieve pain.

Diet: Consume an organic, whole-foods diet and drink plenty of pure filtered water. Eliminate all caffeinated beverages, processed sugars, smoking and carbonated drinks.
Herbs: Combine equal parts of the tinctures of St. John’s wort, skullcap, oat, and Siberian ginseng. Drink one teaspoon of this mixture three times each day. Externally, peppermint oil may be applied to the actual affected area to relieve pain.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies include Belladonna, Aconite, Mag phos., Phytolacca, Chelidonium, Lycopodium, as well as Arsen alb.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions.

Juice Treatment: Parsley, celery, and carrot juice provides a nerve tonic that can be useful in mild cases.

Nutritional Supplements: The following nutrients are known to be useful: Vitamin B, vitamin B1, supplement B3 (niacin), vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, Brewers’ candida, calcium, lecithin, and the mineral magnesium. Proteolytic enzymes taken away from meals may also be helpful particularly in cases of neuritis.

Topical Treatment: Apply Epsom salt packs to the affected areas.

Optional Professional Treatment

If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the above recommendations, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional treatments have all demonstrated an ability to be helpful for treating neuralgia, neuropathy, and neuritis: Acupressure, Acupuncture, Biofeedback Training, Chelation Therapy, Chiropractic care, Craniosacral Therapy, Detoxification Therapy, Environmental Treatments, Light Therapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Treatments, Neural Therapy, Osteopathy, Air Therapy (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy), Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Yoga. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)