Neuralgia definition
Neuralgia represents a damage to one nerve due to an inflammation, a lesion or an irritation. The neuralgia etiology is not fully known but it occurs more frequently in older people. It is supposed that due to old age the myelin sheath which covers the nerves is damaged and their sensitivity increases. Neuralgias also occur when the nerve is subject to pressure from another blood vessel, a lymphatic vessel or a tissue in its immediate proximity.
Neuralgias are very painful, the symptoms may include:
- Unbearable sharp pains
- Painful stitches
- Painful crises and episodes which may give the sensation of al electrical shock
- Pain radiates along the path of the damaged nerve
- Stiffness in the area surround the muscle: stiffness of the face, stiffness of the body in certain positions
Function of the damaged nerve or the area where the pain occurs, there are several types of neuralgias of which the most common are:
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Intercostal neuralgia
- Sciatic neuralgia
- Cervical neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia
The damaged nerve is the trigeminal nerve located in the face. The trigeminal neuralgia manifests itself through pain in the jaw area, in the area of the cheeks or teeth. Pain is intense, chewing and swallowing being also affected.
Intercostal neuralgia
Intercostal neuralgia has an impact upon the nerves of the ribs, which are located parallel to the ribs. The pain radiates along the path of the intercostal nerves being felt in the chest. Due to pain, respiration and movements of the chest during the respiratory cycle. At the same time, the body may be locked in a certain position in which the pain is less intense.
Treatment includes bed rest, the application of ice on the painful area, acupuncture sessions or topical application of gels or creams with anti-inflammatory, relaxing and antispasmodic effect. It is also recommended to lose weight, to consume green juices which are rich in chlorophyll.
Due to the combination of the active ingredients in hellebore and chestnut, the products: Dr. Boici Cream and the Relaxing Gel with hellebore are recommended, they have antispasmodic and relaxing effects upon the damaged nerve and upon the muscle surrounding it.
Sciatic neuralgia
It is caused by the damaged or the compressed sciatic nerve and usually occurs as an effect of a herniated disk. Its symptoms include intense pain, numbness of the buttock and the leg on the affected side, tingling, uncontrolled shaking and sensation of uncertainty when walking.