What is Neuralgia?
Neuralgia is chronic pain caused by a damaged or irritated nerve. There are a few different types of Neuralgia that affects different parts of the body. Living with any type of chronic pain can wreak havoc on the body and make a huge difference in quality of life. Learning more about the causes, symptoms and treatments available for neuralgia is the first step toward recovery.
Types of Neuralgia
• Trigeminal Neuralgia is a common type of Neuralgia affecting the trigeminal nerve in the face. Common causes are multiple sclerosis, nerve injury or a blood vessel putting pressure on the nerve. The pain is usually concentrated one side of the face. This type of Neuralgia usually affects people over 50 years old.
• Postherpetic Neuralgia is caused by an outbreak of Shingles and complications from the viral infection. The nerve pain usually occurs at the site of the rash or blisters and can lasts months or even years.
• Occipital Neuralgia affects the occipital nerves and is characterized by pain in the neck, back of the head and behind the eyes. This can often lead to headaches and migraines.
• Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia is a less common type of neuralgia that causes pain in the glossopharyngeal nerve in the throat.
Treatment for Neuralgia
Neuralgia can be caused by many things including aging, nerve injury, pressure on a nerve cause by a bone, ligament, blood vessel or tumor, infections such as shingles, chickenpox or tooth infections, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, kidney disease, medications, trauma from impact or surgery, or chemical irritation. Symptoms of neuralgia may include severe pain, aching, stabbing, burning, or throbbing.
Neuralgia is often treated with prescription medications and even surgery, but there are many natural remedies that can alleviate the symptoms of Neuralgia such as Essential Oils. The best essential oils for Neuralgia are Marjoram, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender, and Helichrysum essential oils. Essential oils are very concentrated and potent, and should always be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil, and then massaged directly onto the affected area of the skin.
The Best Essential Oils for Neuralgia
Marjoram Essential
Marjoram essential oil has strong sedative and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a great tool for nerve pain relief. The warming properties of this spicy essential oil can be great to calm and relieve tension, as well as speeding the healing rate of the nerves.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus is a common essential oil containing anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic and antioxidant properties. It is great for pain relief and can also improve circulation and help to stimulate the nerves.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is not only cooling to the skin, but its antispasmodic properties help to relieve tension, and soothe and strengthen damaged or stressed nerves. Menthol is a key component of peppermint and helps to stimulate the central nervous system.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is a great essential oil for nerve pain, and its sedative properties can relieve tension in the nervous system, which can help a person to relax, thus taking pressure off the nerves. Lavender is also very calming to the mind, which can help with stress associated with neuralgia.
Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum is known for its regenerative properties, and is used for a wide variety of pain conditions. It is very effective for nerve pain relief due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
If you are experiencing symptoms of neuralgia, it is best to see a doctor as it could be an indication of a more serious condition, and pinpointing the cause of the nerve pain is the key to finding the best course of treatment. With your doctor’s approval, essential oils are an effective, natural way to relieve many symptoms associated with Neuralgia.