Neuralgia is characterized by pain resulting from irritation or inflammation of a nerve.

The duration of neuralgia can be temporary or chronic.

Trigeminal neuralgia manifests itself under the guise of lightning attacks of pain at the level of the face. This type of disorder most often affects all women (3 times more often than men) and people over 50 years of age.

The gluteal and lower extremity nerves are also vulnerable. In this area of the body, sciatic nerve neuralgia is observed.

Postherpetic neuralgia occurs after a herpes infection and is characterized by a continuous burning sensation.

The main symptoms of neuralgia are: pain along the trajectory of the nerve, sudden and acute pain, similar to a burn pain, burning sensation, hypersensitivity to touch, itching.

This disorder is in a specific area of the body and, in many cases, is unilateral.

The illness can be constant or intermittent, and can last from a few seconds and minutes to several days or weeks.

A doctor should be consulted if a spinal disorder is suspected (herniated disc or nerve compression), if the pain is unbearable, if the facial neuralgia expands to the eyes during herpes episodes (there is a risk of blindness), if the control of the anal and urinary sphincters is impaired.

The main causes of neuralgia are: trauma to the muscle or spine, compression from the blood vessel, viral infection.

Neuralgia due to trauma or the spine can be observed with a herniated disc, with a muscle injury, or with long-term poor posture.

Compression from a blood vessel can cause an attack of trigeminal neuralgia.

A viral infection (such as a herpes infection) that appears under the guise of herpes zoster may be the cause of the postherpetic form of the disease.

With moderate and severe forms of neuralgia, both weak and more powerful analgesics can be prescribed.

Anticonvulsants (antiepileptic drugs) can help treat seizures.

With postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia, capsaicin-based ointment is very effective.

Corticosteroids and psycholeptics (sedatives) are used to reduce nerve inflammation and relieve pain.

Manipulations with the spine and soft tissues by a chiropractor or osteopath help a lot.

Acupuncture has been seen to have a positive effect on pain relief. As a rule, about 5-10 sessions are needed to improve the condition.

Therapeutic exercises, deep can improve the condition of the spine.

St. John's wort (under the guise of a decoction) and the extract of the black cohosh are characterized by anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Vitamin B6 has a positive effect during attacks of the disease.

With postherpetic form of neuralgia, vitamin E is very useful.

Oatmeal improves the nervous condition of the patient.