6 Home Remedies for Nerve Pain
Nerve pain can be a debilitating and, for many, a long-term condition. Sometimes, the pain gets better on its own or with treatment. But it can still take months or years to see results. Other types of nerve pain stay the same or worsen over the years.
Nerve pain is generally the result of two types of nerve injuries: cervical radiculopathy or traumatic brain injury.
Your doctor can help you find the right treatment for your pain, but home remedies can be used to supplement your treatment and provide further relief.
1. Get Moving
It may sound counter-intuitive, but exercise can help keep pain at bay. The body releases endorphins during exercise, which is a natural painkiller.
A good workout will also get the blood flowing to the legs and feet, which will further alleviate pain. Researchers believe that exercising regularly may create a long-lasting expansion of the blood vessels in your feet. This effect can help repair damaged nerves.
2. Get Some Sleep
Sleep allows your body to rest, recharge and repair. Nerve pain can be worsened at night and disrupt your rest if you don’t practice good sleep habits.
Good sleep habits include:
- Limiting afternoon caffeine intake
- Sleep for 8 hours each night
- Go to bed at the same time every night
3. De-Stress and Meditate
Pain can be worsened by stress. Taking the time to relax, unwind and de-stress from the day can go a long way in easing your pain – even if only slightly.
Many who suffer from nerve pain use meditation, guided imagery, hypnosis and biofeedback to alleviate their pain. Meditation helps guide the body into a complete state of relaxation, which may ease your pain and allow your body to focus on healing.
4. Try Natural Herbs
Some herbs act as natural painkillers and may also help the body relax, such as:
- Chamomile
- Elderberry
- Honey and cinnamon
- Aloe Vera
Talk to your doctor before taking any herbs, as they may interact with medications or cause unwanted side effects.
5. Take Vitamin B
Vitamin B supplements can also help repair nerves to alleviate pain and accelerate the healing process.
Lean meats, beans, fruits, nuts, vegetables and whole grains are natural sources of B vitamins. You can also take B vitamin supplements to give your body a boost.
6. Epsom Salt Soaks
Soaking your feet in a warm bath with Epsom salt may provide pain relief while helping you relax.
Foot soaks can help:
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve circulation
- Detox the body
- Alleviate aches and pains
- Replenish minerals
You can also soak your body in an Epsom salt bath for full-body relaxation. Just a simple warm bath – even without salts – can provide quick and lasting pain relief. Warm water increases blood flow to the legs and can ease stress.
One other important thing: limit your alcohol intake. Heavy alcohol use can be toxic to your nerves and make the pain even worse. Experts advise against having any more than four drinks per week. If your pain still persists, consider cutting out alcohol completely to see if it helps with your pain.
