Nerve Pain - any alternative therapies?

Question

I've had severe nerve pain for about 4 years, I am on disability - I was approved the first time. That should tell you how severe it has been. The pain runs across the #11 Nerve - Intercostal nerve. They tried meds like Neurontin and Lyrica, they helped with the pain a lot but I couldn't tolerate either, both caused me severe side effects and I had to quit both. All they can do is give me narcotics and send me to the pain clinic - both methods are ineffective for me.

I've improved a lot in the past year, mostly through physical therapy - but I still don't have enough control of pain - and I'm trying to get where I can work again. My wife died a year ago (she was 42, and I was 44, I am 45 now) - - and I don't want to be home all the time, I want to be productive, and I try very hard. The pain along the 11 nerve is still fairly bad, and if I go off the narcotics it's unmanageable.
I don't want to be on the narcotics.
thanks

the only way I could do acupuncture is to put it all on the credit card, but that's what I'm doing with all my expenses already - I don't make much on disability.

thanks for reminding me about water - I probably do get dehydrated.

I take B12 - through vitamins - but since I follow a vegan diet, I may not be getting enough. I probably should see a dietician or something.

Answer 1

try YOGA simple exercises, also start on homeopathic medicine

Answer 2

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RE:
Nerve Pain - any alternative therapies?
I've had severe nerve pain for about 4 years, I am on disability - I was approved the first time. That should tell you how severe it has been. The pain runs across the #11 Nerve - Intercostal nerve. They tried meds like Neurontin and Lyrica, they helped with the pain a lot but I...

Answer 3

I can really relate to your problem, I had a anesthesiologist miss while giving me an epidural in my neck and ended up hitting my nerve that runs to right arm and leg, I went thru years of therapy to use arm and hand again, even had neck surgery to eliminate electrical shocks from my neck down my arm, now that was an awful pain. I never knew the human body had electrical impulses capable of this.
That was in 1998(the last day I worked,also won disability) and to this day I am also on vicotin,methocarbamol(muscle relaxer) and Neurontin ,3 times a day, with amitryptlyne at night. I have been to pain clinics (paid for by ins.). But they did not work,Therapy worked some but not enough to be off the meds, Acupuncture worked very well but it is a 30.00 co pay and as you said, I cannot afford that either on disability.
I too worked hard and loved it, I was a machinist before this happened, I try to keep my house, cook, but if I try to garden,rake,shovel, anything that involves using my arms makes my pain far worse.
I have learned to live with my disability, it could have turned out a lot worse as you know, loss of bowels ect...I wonder sometimes what my purpose in life is, I have yet to find a way to make a living,Iv'e been thru d.v.r 3 times, tried light jobs, all to being let go because of my inabilty to hold the job because of pain issues and severe migraines(which intails another narcotic) I am at a loss as to what I am suppose to do. I just live each day the best I can,keep my house clean, visit family and friends, I try to keep as active as I can.I wish you luck ahead and remember, you are not alone in your pain and life style, we are out here wondering the same as you my friend.

Answer 4

Hi Art,

Finding what will work for you is a case of hit or miss.

I know one woman who is able to control her neuropathy with under-the-tongue Vitamin B-12 (5,000 mcg) every 12 hours.

You might also try a combination of eucalyptus and sage oil applied topically.

There are also emu oil products that have other pain relieving ingredients that have been like a miracle for some people.

This next thing might sound crazy, but I had rib pain for 7 years, so I feel your pain. I couldn't sleep more than four hours a night. A doctor told me I was dehydrated. So kept increasing my water intake. A half ounce for every pound of your weight is good.

In a short period of time my 7 years of pain went away. So be sure you drink plenty of water because a simple thing like that can make a big difference.

By water, it means water...not soft drinks, coffee, etc.

Magnets can also be a Godsend. Find a Nikken distributor who can let you try their magnets. Or go to a shopping Mall and look for kiosks that might have magnets you can try.

Good luck and be well.

Kelley

Answer 5

You may go for acupuncture or acupressure, both are very good for pain management. What has caused the nerve pain? Is it due to pinching?
Try homeopathy, it works. I am not a homeopath so I cannot suggest specific medicines. Vit B-12 works best as a nerve stimulant as it strengthen the nerves.

Answer 6

One thing that worked for me was acupuncture. There is a deep tissue type that deals with pain, though for it to last for very long, you have to have over 30 treatments. This kind of acupuncture is done by specialists, not just your neighborhood acupuncturist. You will have to ask for it, and as I said, stick with it despite the expense. Most medical insurance will not cover it, but be sure to ask.

Answer 7

I recommend Eniva's Vibe