During my course of many visits with the orthopedic, physical therapists, physiologists, sports physical trainers, acupuncturists, specialists who perform nerve blocker procedures, chiropractors, etc. – you name it, I have tried it. Most recently, they finally performed a nerve test. The good news they said was that it demonstrated that I do not have neuropathy; the bad news is they do not know what it is.
So, we continued with MRIs, ultrasounds, x-rays, and blood tests, and what they found was that I did not have a pinched nerve anywhere. What they did find is that I do have widespread nerve pain, but my symptoms are more related to neuralgia than neuropathy.
Neuropathy and neuralgia are both related to nerve damage. However, the difference between neuralgia and neuropathy lies in the symptoms and causes of each condition. Neuropathy refers to general diseases or dysfunctions of the nerves. Neuralgia involves severe, localized pain along a specific damaged nerve, often triggered by mild stimulation of the area, which is exactly how and where my pain has been.
Peripheral neuralgia, or peripheral neuropathy, refers to pain due to nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system, including all nerve fibers outside of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuralgia can affect a single nerve or an entire nerve group. And after many tests and trials, my team of doctors deduced that Gabapentin, rest, and therapeutic massage would be the course of action we take.
So far, these efforts have dramatically reduced the constant pain. The pain is still there if it is triggered or I overexert any muscle group with too much activity. Additionally, I have to be mindful of how long I sit or stand as too much of either will set off that widespread nerve pain. It is vitally important to note that when someone is dealing with this type of pain, it can be extremely exhausting, stressful, and frustrating to manage.
From Medical News Today, “Peripheral neuralgia can cause pain or numbness in the hands, feet, arms, and legs. Other symptoms may include:
- involuntary muscle twitching or cramping
- loss of coordination
- difficulty performing complex motor tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or tying shoelaces
- hypersensitivity to touch or temperature
- excess sweating
- gastrointestinal problems
- difficulty eating or swallowing
- difficulty speaking
Causes
Sustaining damage to the peripheral nervous system can affect nerves that control muscle movements, transmit sensory information, and regulate internal organs.
Medications that can treat the underlying causes of neuralgia include:
- anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine, topiramate, and lamotrigine
- antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
- muscle relaxants, such as baclofen
- membrane-stabilizing medications, such as Gabapentin
What is the main cause of neuralgia?
Some of the most common causes of neuralgia can be instances such as an injury to your brain, spine, or nerves, poor blood supply to nerves, or heavy alcohol use.
Other neuralgia causes may include viral infections, such as shingles or herpes simplex. These infections can damage the nerves and lead to nerve pain.
Chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and certain autoimmune disorders can also cause neuralgia. In some cases, neuralgia can result from nerve compression or irritation from structures like tumors or blood vessels.
Additionally, trauma or injury to the nerves can cause neuralgia. Sometimes, the cause of neuralgia may be unknown and is considered idiopathic. It is essential to work with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of neuralgia for proper treatment and management.
Unfortunately, I fall under a couple of these causes:
- Cold sores (herpes simplex since I was born)
- Viral infections (chronic cases of strep throat throughout my life)
- Compression and irritation on nerves
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