Neuralgia/Neuropathy/Neuritis

Definition
Neuralgia, neuropathy, and neuritis are conditions that affected the nerves and/or the nervous system itself. Neuralgia is characterized by painful spasms that run along the length of a specific nerve. There are many types of neuralgias, depending upon the nerve or body part that is affected or upon the cause of the neuralgia, such as disease (the most common diseases associated with neuralgia are anemia, gout, diabetes, and syphilis). The most common types of neuralgias are Bell's palsy and trigeminal neuralgia.

Neuropathy is characterized by disturbances in the nerves outside the spine, which make up the peripheral nervous system. They are usually non-inflammatory in nature, and can be due to disease such as diabetes, pressure from nerve entrapment (as in carpal tunnel syndrome), disk lesions, nutritional deficiencies, or to unknown causes.

Neuritis is inflammatory in nature, with the inflammation occurring in specific nerve or nerve group. Symptoms of neuritis are similar to those of neuralgia and neuropathy, except they more frequently include burning and can be accompanied by swelling and fever and, in some severe cases, episodes of convulsions.

Symptoms
Overall, symptoms of these three conditions range from mild to severe pain, constant or intermittent pain, burning, tingling, and/or stabbing pain.

Cause
Neuralgia, neuropathy, and neuritis can be caused by diseases such as anemia, diabetes or thyroid disease, pressure from a tumor, nutrient deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, infection, gout, leukemia, syphilis, alcohol abuse, heavy metal toxicity, or direct trauma. To determine the underlying cause, it is necessary to seek professional medical assistance. Once the underlying cause is detected, it must be properly treated before long-term relieve of nerve symptoms can be achieved.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Chamomile, eucalyptus, cedarwood, juniper, and/or lavender essential oils massaged into the affected areas can relieve pain.

Diet: Eat an organic, whole foods diet and drink plenty of pure filtered water throughout the day. Also eliminate all caffeinated beverages, refined sugars, cigarettes, and commercial carbonated beverages.

Herbs: Combine equal parts of the tinctures of St. John's wort, skullcap, oat, and Siberian ginseng. Take one teaspoon of this mixture three times a day. Externally, peppermint oil can be applied to the affected area to relieve pain.

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

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. We suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care practitioner before undergoing these procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you.