Nighttime nerves
Tylenol not working?
Doc got you on too much gabapentin?
Trying to avoid narcotics??
It’s the worst thing that peripheral nerve pain strikes you right when you are going to sleep, when all the world is resting and you only want to put your mind at ease. NOPE! your feet say. The burning, stabbing, achey torture of peripheral neuropathy is not something that typically goes away. If anything, it only gets worse with time. What can you do??
As physicians, after we have searched for the cause of nerve disease (neuropathy)–often finding little more than diabetes, or worse…aging!--treatment is supportive. Translation: “There is no cure”. Nothing is worse than being a patient and hearing, “you’ll be dealing with this for the rest of your life.” What’s more, there are only so many pharmacologic options we can offer you as physicians. But there is more to pain control than pills.
You may have heard of St. John’s wort. Or Turmeric. Or oil of lavender. Many people are turning to these and other natural and homeopathic remedies as alternatives or complements to conventional treatments, seeking relief without the side effects of conventional prescriptions. St. John’s wort is particularly attractive as an option because of its belief to relieve shooting or traumatic nerve pain. We’ve already reviewed how plant-based extracts like ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels and improve sleep quality in an earlier post. The supplement above incorporates this natural ingredient with turmeric and St. John’s wort for added relief. But other simple lifestyle adjustments, such as taking a warm bath before bed, can help by increasing blood flow and relaxing tense muscles, providing temporary pain relief and easing the transition to sleep. It’s also important to acknowledge that regular exercise, such as gentle walking or stretching, may also promote nerve health and increase release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Additionally, good sleep hygiene—like maintaining a consistent bedtime and limiting caffeine—can help break the cycle of pain and poor sleep.
Herbal and natural remedies are widely used for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Here are some other options to look into:
Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) contains capsaicin, which can be applied topically to reduce burning or tingling sensations
Ginger root
Holy basil and rosemary are known for their anti-inflammatory effects and may be incorporated into the diet or used as topical ointments.
Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and bergamot, when diluted and massaged into affected areas, may also offer soothing relief
“There’s more to pain control than pills.”
Best of all, many of these alternatives to prescription medications are non-narcotic, non-addictive, and non-habit-forming. Meaning, you can take them as needed and stop them without making the pain worse than when it had started. As usual, be sure to mention these options with your doctor. See what they have to say!