5 tactics that could help you cope with neuralgia

Neuralgia is a debilitating condition that can leave you in a lot of pain, but there can be relief. Trying the strategies below could help you take control of your neuralgia.

• Neuralgia is an umbrella term for any type of throbbing, or paroxysmal, pain. The pain must extend along the course of one or more of the peripheral nerves.
• Neuralgia is classified by both the part of the body affected and the cause.
• In some cases, doctors can't find a cause. In others, the cause is an infection or underlying disease, such as arthritis, diabetes or syphilis.
• Tumours, both cancerous and benign, can cause neuralgia.
• Structural problems in which nerves become compressed or pinched can also cause neuralgia.
• Sciatica, the throbbing pain that can extend from the lower back and buttocks to the feet, is one of the most common examples.
• Various medications, as well as arsenic and other toxins, can also produce neuralgia.

• The long-term use of hydralazine or isoniazid can result in vitamin B6 deficiency. Symptoms include sensory loss and neuralgia.
• Anyone taking these drugs should follow a diet that provides extra B6.
• Good sources of B6 include lean meat, poultry, fish, spinach, sweet and white potatoes, watermelon, bananas and prunes.
• A doctor may prescribe B6 supplements.
• Self-treating with high doses can also damage sensory nerves.

• A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to spinal cord problems and widespread neuralgia, as well as pernicious anemia.
• Most B12 deficiencies are due to a lack of intrinsic factor, a substance made by the stomach that's necessary to absorb the vitamin.
• Less often, a strict vegetarian diet can result in vitamin B12 deficiency.

• In rare cases, malabsorption problems due to low vitamin E levels can cause neuralgia.
• Doctors usually give supplements of 30 milligrams to 100 milligrams a day.
• Good dietary sources include nuts, seeds, wheat germ, vegetable oils, fortified cereals, eggs, poultry and seafood.

• Vitamin deficiencies can result in neuralgia involving nerves throughout the body. This condition is known as polyneuralgia or polyneuropathy.
• Polyneuralgia and polyneuropathy often occur in alcoholics, whose diets are generally poor.
• A thiamine deficiency is especially common among alcoholics, who may suffer from nerve pain as well as muscle weakness.
• Their treatment starts with detoxification, to rid the body of alcohol, and high-dose thiamine supplements.
• As recovery progresses and the diet improves, the supplements can gradually be decreased.
• Thiamine is found in various animal products and fortified cereals, breads and other grain products.

With its constant pain, neuralgia can severely interfere with your life. But with the right adjustments, like getting the right amount of various vitamins, you could experience some relief.