Neuralgia is a chronic
pain condition. It is a sudden, sharp pain that feels like an electric shock.
One can experience the pain anywhere in the body. The main cause of neuralgia-related
pain is a damaged nerve.
Although damaged
nerves can affect any body part, in the majority of cases, it affects the face
or neck. In addition, neuralgia has different causes and forms.
Causes
Regardless of
type, neuralgia occurs due to a damaged nerve. The myelin
is a coating that protects and ensures proper functioning of nerves. Damage to myelin
causes neuralgia pain. Here are the main factors that cause damage to myelin:
·
Infection – HIV and syphilis
enhances the risk of neuralgia.
·
Diabetes – Excess glucose can
cause harm to myelin.
·
Multiple sclerosis –
Weakening of myelin causes multiple sclerosis. A person with multiple sclerosis
may experience neuralgia pain.
·
Pressure on nerves – Any kind
of pressure, such as from a blood vessel or bone, on the nerves may lead to neuralgia
pain.
Types
The following
are the main types of neuralgia:
Postherpetic neuralgia
Postherpetic
neuralgia takes place because of shingle complications. It affects the skin
and nerve fibres, wherever shingles occurred. Postherpetic neuralgia can be
extremely painful. The pain can be burning and persistent. In addition, it can
last for many months and years.
Usually, the
pain occurs after the shingle rashes disappear. However, sometimes the pain can
take place before the rash.
Postherpetic
neuralgia pain can be reduced over time, with the right treatment.
Trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal
neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve. This type of neuralgia causes a
sharp sensation, from the face to the brain.
In addition, multiple
sclerosis can cause the jolting pain. At the same time, it can also be due to a
blood vessel putting pressure on the trigeminal nerve.
Trigeminal neuralgia
can be excruciatingly painful. An individual may experience mild attacks
initially, but it can progress. Also, it affects the face and is very common in
the elderly.
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia
Although this
type of neuralgia is not as common as postherpetic and trigeminal, it causes
pain from the glossopharyngeal nerve. As the glossopharyngeal nerve is located
in the throat, glossopharyngeal neuralgia affects the neck and throat.
Neuralgia pain
can be long and unbearable. Hence, it is crucial to seek treatment as soon as
possible. Acupuncture is a safe, natural and effective treatment to reduce
neuralgia pain.
Brisbane
Livewell Clinic provides acupuncture for
neuralgia in Brisbane, Australia. The centre’s experienced and qualified acupuncturist
specialises in treating patients with neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia,
occipital neuralgia, and post-herpetic neuralgia (after shingles). Click here to schedule
a consultation.