Exploring The Types Of Neuralgia

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.