Nerve pain can be a real obstacle in your life, causing discomfort and distress. Whether due to an injury, illness, or a condition like diabetes or multiple sclerosis, nerve pain can leave you searching for relief. While prescription medications are an option, many prefer to explore natural remedies. In this article, we’ll share 21 scientifically-backed home remedies for nerve pain to help regain control of your life.

???? Heat Therapies: Feel the Warmth

1. Warm Compresses: A simple yet effective solution, warm compresses can alleviate nerve pain by increasing blood flow to the affected area and reducing inflammation. To create a warm compress, soak a clean towel in warm water, squeeze out the excess water, and apply it to the painful area for 15-20 minutes.
2. Epsom Salt Baths: Immerse yourself in a soothing Epsom salt bath to improve circulation, decrease inflammation, and promote relaxation. Add a some Epsom salt to a warm bath and enjoy a nice soak, allowing your body to absorb the beneficial magnesium and sulfate ions.
3. Heat Therapy: Utilize heating pads, warm towels, or hot water bottles to increase circulation and ease muscle tension surrounding the affected area. Apply heat therapy for 15-20 minutes and repeat as needed throughout the day. Remember to avoid direct skin contact with the heat source to prevent burns.

❄️ Cold Therapies: Chill Out

4. Cold Therapy: Combat inflammation and numb nerve pain with an ice pack wrapped in a paper towel. Apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, and repeat several times a day as needed. Be sure to give your skin a break between applications to avoid frostbite.

???? Aromatherapy: Scents of Relief

5. Essential Oils: Tap into the healing power of essential oils like peppermint, lavender, chamomile, frankincense, and rosemary. These oils have natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Dilute a few drops of essential oil in a carrier oil (such as olive oil, or coconut) and gently massage the affected area.
6. Aromatherapy: Find comfort from stress and anxiety-induced nerve pain by diffusing calming essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and bergamot. These soothing scents can help promote relaxation and reduce stress and relieve pain.

???? Diet and Supplements: Nutritional Support

7. Turmeric: Harness the power of curcumin, an active turmeric compound known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Incorporate turmeric into your meals, or consider taking a supplement to help combat nerve pain.
8. Magnesium: Essential for nerve and muscle function, magnesium can reduce inflammation and improve nerve function. Include magnesium-rich foods in your diet, or consider taking a supplement.
9. Vitamin B12: Crucial for nerve health, vitamin B12 can help alleviate nerve pain, particularly in those with a deficiency. Consume B12-rich foods or consider taking a supplement under medical guidance.
10. Probiotics: Strengthen gut and immune health to reduce nerve pain, particularly for those with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, by incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your daily routine.
11. Ginger: Enjoy the natural anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger to decrease pain and inflammation. Incorporate fresh or powdered ginger into your meals, or take a ginger supplement.
12. Vitamin D: Support bone health and immune function while reducing nerve pain by ensuring adequate vitamin D levels. Spend some time in the sun, consume vitamin D-rich foods, or take a supplement as needed.

????‍♀️ Physical Therapies: Get Moving

13. Exercise: Engage in regular low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and release endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers.
14. Massage Therapy: Experience relief through improved circulation and reduced muscle tension with deep tissue massage, targeting the affected area and surrounding muscles.
15. Biofeedback: Learn to regulate physiological responses such as heart rate and muscle tension using electronic devices in biofeedback therapy. Understanding and controlling these responses can reduce pain and stress levels.
16. Acupuncture: Explore traditional Chinese medicine by trying acupuncture. Research suggests acupuncture may alleviate nerve pain, particularly in people with neuropathy.
17. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): Experience the pain-reducing effects of low-voltage electrical currents with TENS therapy, particularly for those with diabetic neuropathy. TENS devices stimulate nerves for therapeutic purposes and can be adjusted to suit your individual comfort level.
18. Yoga: Combine physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation through a yoga practice to promote relaxation, improve overall health, and potentially reduce nerve pain. Yoga may particularly benefit those with conditions like multiple sclerosis and diabetic neuropathy.
19. Tai Chi: Discover the slow, fluid movements and deep breathing techniques of Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art. Tai Chi has been shown to reduce pain, improve balance, and enhance coordination, potentially benefiting people with nerve pain.
20. Physical Therapy: Engage in a rehabilitation program that involves exercises and techniques to help restore movement and function. Physical therapy can benefit those with nerve pain caused by injuries or underlying conditions like multiple sclerosis.
21. Chiropractic Care: Seek relief through spinal and joint manipulation by a chiropractor. Chiropractic care can improve function and alleviate pain, especially for those with nerve pain caused by conditions like sciatica. Always consult a licensed and experienced chiropractor for safe and effective treatment.

More home remedies for nerve pain:

1. Capsaicin: the active ingredient in chili peppers, may provide pain relief by reducing the levels of a specific pain transmitter, substance P, in the body. Topical creams containing capsaicin may be useful for nerve pain relief.
2. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): ALA is a powerful antioxidant that may help to reduce nerve pain, particularly in people with diabetic neuropathy. It can be taken as a supplement, and some studies suggest that it can improve symptoms and nerve function.
3. Valerian Root: Valerian root is an herbal remedy known for its calming effects, which can help reduce nerve pain, particularly if it’s stress or anxiety-related. You can consume it as a supplement or drink it as a tea.
4. St. John’s Wort: St. John’s Wort has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including nerve pain. It is believed to help improve the body’s natural pain response by increasing the availability of certain neurotransmitters.
5. Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo biloba is known for its potential to improve blood flow and provide antioxidant support. Some studies suggest that it may help alleviate nerve pain by improving circulation and nerve function.
6. Skullcap: Skullcap is an herbal remedy that has been traditionally used to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and provide relief from nerve pain. It can be taken as a tea or supplement.
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, and certain nuts and seeds, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce nerve pain. Including these in your diet or taking supplements can be beneficial.

???? Top-Rated Products for Nerve Pain Relief:

1. TENS Units: Manage pain with electrical impulses from a top-rated TENS unit, such as the iReliev TENS Machine. iReliev TENS Machine
2. Heating Pads: Increase blood flow and ease pain with a high-quality heating pad, like the Sunbeam King-Size Moist/Dry Heating Pad. Sunbeam King-Size Heating Pad
3. Topical Pain Relief Creams: Apply menthol, capsaicin, or lidocaine-infused creams to the affected area for nerve pain relief. A popular choice is Penetrex Pain Relief Therapy. Penetrex Pain Relief Therapy
4. Essential Oils: Utilize the pain-relieving properties of essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and frankincense, applied topically or diffused in the air. The Lagunamoon Premium Essential Oils Set offers a great selection. Lagunamoon Essential Oils Set
5. Magnesium Supplements: Improve nerve function and reduce inflammation with magnesium supplements. Nature Made Magnesium Oxide Tablets is a well-regarded choice. Nature Made Magnesium Oxide Tablets

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References:

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). (2018). Benefits of Heat or Cold for Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis/advanced#tab-treatment
• Kiefer, D. (2013). Epsom salt baths: An old-school way to feel better fast? Retrieved from https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/healing-environment/what-epsom-salt-baths
• Lakhan, S. E., Sheafer, H., & Tepper, D. (2016). The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Reducing Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Research and Treatment, 2016, 8158693. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/8158693
• Daily, J. W., Yang, M., & Park, S. (2016). Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Journal of Medicinal Food, 19(8), 717-729. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2016.3705
• Tarleton, E. K., Littenberg, B., MacLean, C. D., Kennedy, A. G., & Daley, C. (2017). Role of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression: A randomized clinical trial. PLoS ONE, 12(6), e0180067. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180067
• Daily, J. W., Zhang, X., Kim, D. S., & Park, S. (2015). Efficacy of Ginger for Alleviating the Symptoms of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Pain Medicine, 16(12), 2243-2255. https://doi.org/10.1111/pme.12853
• Roman, P., Estévez, A. F., & Miras, A. (2018). A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial to Explore Cognitive and Emotional Effects of Probiotics in Fibromyalgia. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 10965. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-29388-y