Treatment of Neuralgia

Neuralgia is a special type of pain. Sharp, shooting, like an electric shock. It can last for seconds, but those seconds exhaust more than constant aching pain. Patients often go in circles for years: pills — temporary relief — a new attack.

And the cause often lies not where it hurts. At the Neuro Clinic, we do not just relieve symptoms. We look for the source of the problem and build a systemic treatment that returns control over the body.

Causes and types of neuralgia

There are many causes of neuralgia, and they are not always obvious. Compression of the nerve trunk by a vessel, tumor, spasmed muscle, or herniated disc. Hypothermia causes spasm of muscles and blood vessels — the nerve is pinched and becomes inflamed.

The main causes include:

• Infections: shingles often becomes the cause of persistent pain syndrome that persists after the rash heals;
• Trauma and surgeries: scar tissue can involve nerve endings;
• Stress: prolonged tension increases muscle tone, they spasm and compress the nerve.

The most common and painful variant is trigeminal nerve involvement. Pain pierces the face: cheek, jaw, forehead, eye. An attack needs a trigger — touch, washing, shaving, a gust of wind.

Another common type is pain along the ribs, worsening with inhalation and coughing; it is often mistaken for a heart attack. Postherpetic neuralgia also occurs, when burning sensations persist after the rash heals.

Diagnostics: why it is important not to guess but to get examined

Pain can masquerade as dozens of other diseases. Intercostal neuralgia is mistaken for a heart attack or pancreatitis, trigeminal neuralgia for dental problems, and patients treat healthy teeth for years.

The correct algorithm of actions includes:

• examination by a neurologist who assesses the nature of pain, trigger zones, and performs neurological tests;
• MRI or CT — rule out herniated discs, tumors, vascular anomalies compressing the nerve;
• electroneuromyography — checks nerve conduction and the degree of its damage;
• blood tests — rule out infections, inflammatory processes, vitamin B deficiency.

Important: do not start treatment before an accurate diagnosis is made. Painkillers taken "at random" blur the picture and delay solving the problem.

Treatment and rehabilitation: your route at the Neuro Clinic

Neuralgia is rarely treated with one pill. An integrated approach is needed that relieves pain, eliminates the cause, and prevents relapses. At the Neuro Clinic, the patient receives a full cycle — from diagnosis to returning to a life without pain.

The process includes several key stages:

• Diagnostic stage: a neurologist conducts an examination, prescribes MRI, CT, and ENMG if necessary, and makes an accurate diagnosis;
• Medication stage: relief of acute pain with anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, B vitamins. The treatment room allows for a course of infusions and injections on site;
• Physiotherapy stage: magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, laser therapy, ultrasound reduce edema, improve nerve nutrition, relieve muscle spasm;
• Motor stage: physical therapy to eliminate muscle tension and restore proper biomechanics. For intercostal neuralgia — exercises for the thoracic spine, for trigeminal — work with the cervical spine and masticatory muscles;
• Psychological stage: with chronic pain, a vicious circle forms: pain — fear of movement — spasm — increased pain. A clinical psychologist helps break this chain;
• Supportive stage: day hospital, follow-up examinations, therapy adjustment, relapse prevention.

The entire team works according to a single plan, which is adjusted as you progress. You are not left alone with the problem.

Questions for the doctor

• Is neuralgia forever? No. With a correctly identified cause and comprehensive treatment, most patients achieve stable remission. Chronicity occurs when only the pain is treated without removing the source.
• Can the painful area be warmed? Only if a purulent or tumor process is definitely excluded. In trigeminal neuralgia, applying heat to the face can trigger an attack. It is better to warm the collar zone or back — this relaxes muscles without irritating the nerve.
• Do folk remedies help? Compresses and tinctures can temporarily distract from pain, but they do not treat the cause. Do not replace a doctor's visit with them.
• How long does an exacerbation last? From several days to several weeks. Without treatment, attacks may become more frequent and more intense. With treatment, they go away faster and return less often.