Have you ever experienced a sharp, shooting pain that radiates from your hands, feet, arms or legs? That could be peripheral nerve pain (also known as neuropathic pain) which happens when the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord are damaged or not functioning properly.
I recently had surgery and was surprised to discover that the worst and most lingering pain was not from the incisions but from the nerves. My skin still feels sensitive even over a month later, and I'm told it could be months before the nerves fully heal. Unfortunately there are many factors other than surgery that can increase our risk of developing this type of pain, including diabetes, physical injuries, infections, autoimmune diseases, excessive alcohol consumption, chemotherapy, vitamin deficiencies, medications, and even genetics. Yep, you read that right - some people may be more likely to experience peripheral nerve pain due to their genes.
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Peripheral nerve pain can be a real pain in the... well, anywhere really! If you're looking for some natural remedies to help ease your discomfort, here are some options you might want to consider:
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Exercise: Physical activity has been shown to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, both of which can help alleviate nerve pain. I know it might sound counterintuitive, but low-impact exercises like yoga, walking, or swimming can be particularly beneficial.
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Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese therapy involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, and it's been found to help manage nerve pain by stimulating the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms. Don't just take my word for it, check out this study that found acupuncture to be effective in reducing neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injuries.
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Essential oils: Some essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and chamomile, have been found to have analgesic properties and may help reduce nerve pain when applied topically or used in aromatherapy. This study from 2017 found that a combination of essential oils was effective in reducing neuropathic pain in patients with diabetes.
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Heat therapy: Applying heat to the affected area, such as with a warm compress or heating pad, can help increase blood flow and reduce inflammation, which may help alleviate nerve pain.
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Meditation: Mindfulness meditation has been shown to help reduce pain and improve quality of life in people with chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain. Some studies have found that mindfulness meditation is effective in reducing pain severity and improving sleep in patients with peripheral neuropathy.
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Hypnotherapy: Yes, of course hypnotherapy can also be used to manage nerve pain! In fact, there's evidence to suggest that hypnotherapy can be effective in reducing neuropathic pain in patients with various conditions, including cancer, spinal cord injury, and diabetes. If you're interested in learning more about this option, check out our powerful Pain Relief hypnotherapy session.
This package contains 3 different hypnotherapy sessions that can help you redirect your brain away from the pain and towards relaxation and feelings of ease. Definitely worth a try if you're struggling with neuropathy...I'm off to listen to them myself!
