Neuralgia pain is caused by a malfunction of the nerve cells wherein pain is produced without any stimulation to the cell. In many cases, this condition is difficult to diagnosis, and it is not unusual for patients to suffer for long periods of time before a correct diagnosis is found. Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, patients are aided with their neuralgia pain through use of prescription drugs, surgical procedures, and an assortment of complementary therapies including stress management techniques and gentle exercises. It is not uncommon for people affected by this type of pain to employ the common treatments in varying combinations under their doctor's supervision.
Pain from neuralgia can be partially controlled for some patients by the use of complementary therapies to traditional treatments, such as prescription medications. Like many other pain disorders, it has been found that stress management techniques like meditation, breath exercises, and yoga, may help relieve some of the symptoms of neuralgia. The use of hot and cold compresses on the painful areas in addition to electrical stimulation has been useful in some cases as well. Acupuncture for neuralgia is commonly suggested and has been helpful for many patients. Still others have used chiropractic care to reduce neuralgia pain and live more productive lives.
Another treatment for neuralgia pain is a type of surgery which stimulates the affected nerves in an attempt to trick the damaged nerves into reacting as if they are receiving or sending normal messages to the brain. An electrode device is implanted in the dorsal root of the nerve, allowing the unit to create nerve stimulation to the affected areas. Through careful analysis of the patient's reactions, the correct electrical stimulation patterns are established and the patient is able to activate the device when needed with the use of magnet waved over the unit. It is possible for the neuralgia pain to return even after a successful initial period. Other types of surgery are utilized as well, such as rhizotomy, the destruction of certain nerves to block pain.
Not every case of neuralgia pain can or should be treated with surgery and in those cases medications are often used. Antidepressants are often prescribed to not only help the patient through the common depression and anxiety associated with this disease, but also to reduce the abnormal reactions of the affected nerve cells. Another medication option is the use of anticonvulsants that prohibit the nerves from firing inappropriate signals to the brain.