What Has Worked For You
As you can see, there are many approaches to alleviating pain from neuropathy. Is heat good for neuropathy? Are massages helpful? These are questions that you might ask if you are experiencing nerve pain. The best thing to do is to try different methods and to consult your doctor if you have any questions about a particular approach. When you find the method that works for you, you can manage your neuropathy better.
If you have any other methods of either using heat for neuropathy or some unique method unknown to many, please share in the comments below. Other readers can greatly benefit from your experiences.
Is Heat Or Cold Therapy Better For Sciatica Pain
Dr. Bhavik Sheth, PT, DPT, CSCS, SFMA
Dr. Bhavik Sheth, PT, DPT, CSCS, SFMA is a physical therapist and the co-founder of the Elite Movement Initiative, a physical therapy group. He earned his D…
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Sciatica is a unique type of nerve pain that begins in the lower back and extends through the lower extremities.
People with sciatica often experience sharp low back, hip, and leg pain as well as burning sensations, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. This level of discomfort is alarming and calls for the assistance of an ice pack or warm towel, but which is actually fit to alleviate your pain?
In this article, we will discuss whether heat therapy, cold therapy, or a combination of both is best for sciatica.
The Temperature Rotation Myth
There is a time for rotating heat and ice but addressing sciatic nerve pain is not one of them. While most people believe that switching between hot and cold packs are conducive to pain relief, this is not true. When you are in acute pain, there is simply no reason to apply heat.
Why is this? Think about it. What is sciatic nerve pain? It is pain caused by inflammation. If you accidentally hit your thumb with a hammer and it is red and throbbing, you are going to put cold on it. Cold draws blood away from the injury, which ultimately decreases swelling and provides relief. Heat would bring more blood to the wound, having the opposite effect and increasing swelling.
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How Can I Help Prevent Peripheral Nerve Pain
Ways to help prevent peripheral nerve pain include:
- If you have a disease, such as diabetes, follow your healthcare providers advice about controlling your blood sugar. Be sure to take your medicines as prescribed.
- Protect yourself from injury. Wear safety gear, such as a seatbelts when you drive and a helmet when you bicycle or ski. Home accident prevention is also important.
- Pay attention to how you use a keyboard or computer mouse to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
- If you have problems with alcohol abuse, ask your provider for help to quit drinking.
You can get more information from:
- The American Chronic Pain Association800-533-3231
Cbd Oil Heals Nerve Damage
As we mentioned above, nerve damage and pain can be caused by many conditions. These conditions include inflammatory response, injury, or some other disorder. Typically, the nerves are under constant stress and can signal pain to the body constantly.;;
Laboratory models and animal testing has shown that CBD may protect and heal nerves. Its suggested that the use of CBD may prevent cell death with antioxidants and boost anti-inflammation properties. This means that CBD could possibly protect nerves from further damage and allow them to heal. More studies are needed to understand whether CBD can actually heal nerve damage.
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How Cold Therapy Works
The application of cold can be in the form of an ice or gel pack or even a bag of frozen peas. If you use ice wrapped in a washcloth or towel, avoid placing it directly on your skin. Apply the cold in 15 to 20 minute intervals off and on throughout the day. Do not sleep with the cold applied to your skin.
Other Alternative Treatments To Neuropathy
Some people try the opposite and immerse the affected areas in cold water. This is a common approach when the individual feels a burning sensation on the afflicted area. It is assumed that the coldness will cool down the burning sensation and provide relief. However, one has to be careful not to let the area get too cold. For example, if an ice pack was applied, it might make the area feel more numb and uncomfortable. It is best to avoid temperatures that are extreme.
Another way to alleviate pain from neuropathy is to exercise more. If the pain is in the legs, take more leisurely strolls. When you exercise, your body releases good hormones called endorphins. These are like painkillers that occur naturally in your body. Also, when you are more active, your blood circulation improves throughout your body and to your nerve fibers. This additional blood flow can feed your nerves that are damaged and provide nutrients that are essential to healing. The positive effects from exercising can last a good while. If you take this approach, ease into increasing your activity. Start with a short walk, then increase the duration or distance gradually.
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Massage Or Physical Therapy
Having a massage may also help reduce physical pain and stress. Applying gentle pressure around the affected area may help relieve tension, and a full body massage can help the muscles relax.
Deep tissue massages may not be a good idea because the extra pressure may make the symptoms worse.
Physical therapy, using a combination of exercise, massage, and gentle stretches, can help relieve symptoms.
Types Of Pain: Nociceptive Vs Neuropathic
- Nociceptive ;pain;comes from damaged tissues outside the nervous system, such as muscles and joints. People say the pain feels aching and throbbing.
- Neuropathic ;pain;comes from the nerves that transmit pain signals from the body to the brain. People describe the pain as burning, stinging, or shooting. It may radiate from one area of the body to another. It may be accompanied by numbness and tingling.
Image: Thinkstock
Doctors usually try one type or the other , although they can be combined. They are taken daily in addition to conventional pain relievers.
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Apply The Icepack To Your Lower Back
Sciatica is caused by an underlying lower back condition. The lower back problem typically pinches or irritates one of your sciatic nerve roots, which in turn sends pain and other symptoms along your long sciatic nerve.
See What You Need to Know About Sciatica
When you use ice therapy for sciatica pain, apply the icepack to your lower back and rear pelvisâwhere the sciatic nerve roots are located. Icing this area, rather than your thigh or calf where the pain may be more, will help control and numb the pain at its origin and also calm the nearby nerves.
Whats The Difference Between Muscle Pain And Bone Pain
What are the differences between bone pain and muscle pain? It can be difficult to differentiate between bone and muscle pain, because they affect similar parts of the body. The pain may also be similar in intensity. However, in general, bone pain feels sharper, deeper, and more debilitating than muscle pain.
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How To Relieve A Pinched Nerve
If you think your pain is due to a pinched nerve, there are some things you can do right away to relieve pressure and reduce pain.
While self-treatment can temporarily relieve pinched nerve pain, it does not get at the underlying cause. To eliminate pain at its source, you should seek professional help. A chiropractor or physical therapist can help identify the source of your pinched nerve pain and provide treatment to eliminate it for good.
Dont Use An Ice Pack If
Some people, especially those who have a hard time feeling pain, can damage their skin with an ice pack. Those who suffer from diabetes should use special care with an ice pack, as nerve damage is a side effect, making it hard for them to feel pain.
If youre looking to relieve stiffness in joints or muscles, dont use ice. Instead, use heat!
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What Heat Does For A Pinched Nerve
When applied correctly, heat is very beneficial for a pinched nerve.
- Heat is soothing and relaxing both for your muscles and your mind.
- Heat promotes healing by bringing new blood flow to the area, which brings healing properties and helps flush toxins away.
- You can by applying heat to the area.
- Using heat can also increase the range of motion in the joint.
How Cbd Might Help With Nerve Pain
With neuropathy, CBD research is even more limited. However, theres some promise that CBD can help with neuropathy pain. And because CBD has relatively mild side effects, using CBD to help ease this type of pain may be an acceptable alternative to other potential pain relievers, like opioids.
Read on to learn how CBD might help neuropathic pain. Youll also learn about different types of CBD products, from CBD oil to CBD gummies.
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Is Heat The Cure
Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for neuropathy because it can be the result of so many causes. Sometimes these nerve pains can improve over time with treatment or as the body heals on its own. However, there is no way to tell if this will take months or years. Sometimes the pain will get better, but sometimes the pain can get worse.
People have tried many different ways to treat this pain. For foot neuropathy, some people like to soak their feet in a warm bath because the warm water can soothe the pain. The warmth can increase blood flow to the afflicted area temporarily, and it can alleviate muscles that are tense and stressed. Just make sure that the temperature is warm and not very hot. Test the water temperature with your hands if your legs are the parts afflicted. So, if someone asks you Is heat good for neuropathy, you can suggest a soothing soak in warm water for temporary relief.
Pain And Other Symptoms
Coldness of the legs is a symptom and may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms. One of the common accompanying symptoms is an ache or pain. Most of the time pain due to cold is described as a deep ache or cramping pain. Cold can also aggravate pain that may be pre-existing. For example, people with joint pain due to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may experience worsening of the pain with coldness.
There may be other symptoms that accompany the cold sensation and pain. This may include paleness of the legs and sometimes even a bluish tinge, loss of hair, lacerations , open sores and skin rashes. There may also be loss of sensation such as the ability to perceive touch or temperature. Depending on the nature of the underlying condition there may also be weakness of the legs and even paralysis.
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Combining Cold Therapy With Heat Therapy
Cold therapy can help ease inflammation, while heat therapy may ease muscle soreness. Because everyone responds to the application of cold and heat differently, you may experience more relief by using both techniques at regular intervals or gravitate toward one or the other based on the results youre getting.
Cold therapy is meant for use shortly after sciatica symptoms become problematic. If youre experiencing chronic pain, seek a more definite diagnosis of the source of your discomfort from a board-certified back doctor in Los Angeles. Even when cold therapy works for you, it will still be necessary to determine the true source of nerve compression to further fine-tune your treatment recommendations.
In severe cases, sciatica may need minimally invasive surgery. If your sciatica pain has become difficult to manage and you are looking for an effective treatment option, get in touch with The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration. We specialize in spinal fusion as well as alternatives to spinal fusion surgery. Call our office at 310-828-7757 today to schedule an in-person evaluation.
From Topical Pain Medications To Yoga These Strategies Provide Nerve Pain Relief That Lasts
Nerve pain symptoms range from mild tingling sensations to burning to intolerable stabbing pain.
A shooting pain that takes your breath away. A throbbing ache that wont let up. Tingling fingers and toes. Nerve pain comes in various forms and can be debilitating in many waysdepression, anxiety, and infections, for example.
Our bodies contain billions of nerves that send billions of messages to our brains and spinal cords. Messages like, Ouch, thats hot or Yikes, that hurts. Any damage to these nerves can disrupt the messaging process, causing a multitude of problems. Your nerves may send pain messages when theres no reason to, for instance. Or, damaged nerves could leave you without feeling in your hand, meaning the ouch, thats hot message wont get through. With almost 20 million Americans suffering from peripheral neuropathy its no wonder so many of us are searching for nerve pain relief.
Far too often, treating nerve pain is an uphill battle. As stated by researchers of a study published in the journal Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, Chronic neuropathic pain is difficult to treat and is often characterized by either exaggerated responses to painful stimuli or pain resulting from stimuli that would not normally provoke pain . In other words, our bodies go into hyperdrive with all guns firing; only theyre shooting pain signals instead of blanks.
Looking for nerve pain relief? Read on to find ways to reduce your discomfort.
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What Causes Nerve Pain
Neuropathic pain comes from nerve damage. Most commonly, this is caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, side effects from drugs or chemotherapy, or injuries.
Damaged nerves are more likely to misfire, sending pain signals when there is no cause for pain. They can also put you at risk for more serious problems such as foot infections.
All the causes of nerve pain are still largely a medical mystery. Researchers have identified several different ways nerves can misfire, and this has led to treatments that help many people.
Still, in surveys of people with nerve pain, most say they still have pain despite the best efforts of doctors. If you’re one of them, you may want to look beyond conventional medicine for relief. Almost half of those with nerve pain report trying complementary or alternative approaches to improve their pain.
Laser Treatments Can Be Effective For Nerve Pain And Damage
Naturopathic Medicine: Laser Treatments can be Effective for Nerve Pain and Damage
PINS AND NEEDLES BURNING TINGLING STINGING ACHING NUMB WEAK SENSITIVE these are the words that my patients often use to describe the pain they are experiencing that is caused by neuropathy. Neuropathy is the term used to describe nerve pain, inflammation or damage. ;If you suffer from neuropathy, you know that it can be miserable to deal with acutely or chronically. ;Patients are often extremely uncomfortable, and aggressive cases of neuropathy can inhibit fine motor skills, walking and even the simplest activities of daily living.
There are many different causes for neuropathy. ;It is a common side effect of numerous chemotherapy drugs. ;Other common causes are poorly controlled diabetes, environmental toxins, infections, injuries and the shingles virus. ;There are different ways to approach the treatment of neuropathy. ;Specific vitamins and herbs can help support nerve health and regrowth. ;There are prescription medications and topical creams that can also help with the pain and discomfort caused by neuropathy. ;It is important to address the underlying cause of neuropathy, as is the case if it is caused by diabetes.
LLL is specifically programmed to treat a range of other medical conditions such as: a wide variety of musculoskeletal pain such as joint, muscle or back pain, acne, bladder incontinence and inflammatory bowel disease.
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What You Should Know
Use an ice pack, a frozen towel, or, even a bag of frozen vegetables – peas and corn work great. Keep the ice on up to 20 minutes at a time, using a towel to avoid direct contact between the ice pack and your skin. Let the area get numb, wait and hour and then you can reapply the cold pack, if necessary. Ice should only be used up to three days following injury. After that, you might want to check-in with your doctor.
Ice application to an acute injury is generally safe. To avoid the risks, limit your usage to 20 minutes at a time and avoid using super cold products. Don’t let yourself fall prey to frostbite due to prolonged application to fingers, toes, ears, nose. And avoid nerve injury, particularly the ulnar nerve on the inside of your elbow and the peroneal nerve on the outside of your knee.
How To Apply Heat
Weve already talked about the different kinds of heat, but when youre using it to manage your pain, its important to be strategic about where and how youre applying it. For example, if youre using heat to treat pain associated with a stiff muscle, youll apply local heat. Use a heat patch or small heating pad to target one specific area of your body for intensive treatment. The one you choose is to use is up to you, but we will say heat patches are a great option to apply low heat to a targeted area over an extended period. They move with you because they adhere to your back, neck, hip or whichever area of pain youre trying to target.;Depending on which kind you choose,;it can provide up to eight hours of relief.
If your stiffness or pain is a bit more widespread, you can apply regional heat. You would typically do this with a steam towel or large heating pad of some kind. All it means is that you use a larger heat source to cover a bigger area of the body. If your pain is even more widespread, you can apply full body heat. The best way to do this is with a sauna treatment or a hot bath.
If you cant sit down in a warm bath, you can substitute it with a warm shower and still get some of the benefits of heat therapy even a warm shower can provide benefits. In fact,;some recommend taking a warm shower before exercising;to help loosen muscles and joints.
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