Nerve pain (medically called neuralgia)

What is nerve pain and how does it develop?

Nerve pain is not an independent disease but a characteristic set of symptoms that appears when one of your sensory nerves is put under pressure ("gets pinched") or becomes irritated.

The pain is usually very intense, stabbing or burning in nature, and typically occurs along the course of the affected nerve.

You may want to read this article to understand where the pain may originate: Dermatome: concept and meaning.

The pain is usually not continuous – it tends to occur in attacks that can last from a few minutes to several hours.

There are many possible causes of nerve pain. The most common triggers include:

• Problems of the spine, such as an (early) herniated disc or spinal canal stenosis
• Injuries and trauma
• Infectious diseases (for example Lyme disease or shingles)
• Metabolic disorders (for example diabetes)
• Autoimmune diseases
• Overuse or incorrect posture (prolonged standing or sitting in a forced posture)

Types of nerve pain and their characteristic symptoms

Facial neuralgia (Trigeminal neuralgia)

Facial neuralgia is one of the best-known forms and involves the trigeminal nerve, the three-branch nerve of the face.

If you experience this, you may have sudden, lightning-like pain on your face – usually on only one side. This pain can be triggered by everyday activities such as speaking, eating, or even a light breeze on your face. There may be completely symptom-free periods between attacks.

Click here to read in detail about facial neuralgia and its treatment.

Intercostal neuralgia

In intercostal neuralgia, the pain affects the nerves running between the ribs.

If you struggle with this, you typically feel a stabbing, burning pain in your chest that can run around like a belt. The pain can be particularly strong during deep breathing, coughing, or sudden movements.

This type is often mistaken for other chest problems (for example angina pectoris), so thorough examination is especially important to rule out heart-related issues.

Sciatic neuralgia (sciatica)

Sciatic neuralgia, or sciatica, affects the body's largest nerve, the sciatic nerve.

If you have this problem, the pain typically starts from your lower back and runs through your buttock and the back of your thigh, down to your lower leg or even your foot. Along with the pain, you often experience numbness or tingling in the affected areas.

Sciatic neuralgia is often a consequence of a herniated disc, but it can also develop due to a spasm of the piriformis muscle.

Home treatment options for nerve pain

A comprehensive approach is key to treating nerve pain.

Although it is always recommended to consult a professional, there are many methods you can apply at home to relieve symptoms.

Rest and offloading

The first and most important step is to reduce the load on the affected area.

This does not mean complete immobility – rather, avoid movements and positions that provoke the pain.

For sciatica, for example, it can help to regularly change your posture and avoid sitting in the same position for long periods.

Cold–heat therapy

Thermal therapy applied at home can be extremely effective in treating nerve pain.

You can use it as follows:

In the acute phase (the first 24–48 hours), cold packs are recommended. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day. This helps reduce inflammation and pain. Important: do not place ice directly on your skin – always wrap it in a thin towel.

In the chronic phase you can switch to heat. A hot pack or a warm bath relaxes the muscles and improves blood circulation in the affected area. Apply heat for 15–20 minutes, also several times a day. Heat can be especially effective in the morning when muscles are still stiff.

Home physiotherapy devices

There are many devices you can use at home to treat nerve pain:

TENS device: This is an electrical stimulation device that sends mild electrical impulses to the affected area. It can help block pain signals and stimulate endorphin production. You can use a TENS device for 20–30 minutes daily.
Click here to find the range of TENS devices.

Softlaser device. It effectively soothes complaints caused by nerve pain because it reduces the edema around compressed nerve fibers and also releases endorphins.
Click here to find our softlaser devices. For treating nerve pain, the Personal-Laser L400 or the Energy-Laser L500 are the most suitable.

Massage tools: Various massage rollers, balls, or handheld massagers can help relax tight muscles. A massage cushion or a fascia roller can be particularly useful.

Muscle stimulation device. This provides more effective treatment than simple massage tools. It actively relaxes muscles that have tightened and gone into spasm due to pain, relieves cramps and reduces pain.
Click here to find muscle stimulation devices. I recommend the Rehalito, MyoBravo, Elite or the Premium 400 devices.

Therapeutic ultrasound. Ultrasound waves penetrate the body and are converted into heat, warming the treated area. The result is improved circulation, muscle relaxation and pain relief.
Here you can find suitable devices. I recommend the M-Sconic 950 device.

Physical therapy exercises for home

Home physiotherapy is a key part of treatment, but only start if you are past the acute painful stage.

Stretching exercises help release muscle tension and improve range of motion. Perform each stretch slowly and gradually, and never force it. Hold a stretch until you feel a comfortable tension, but do not push into pain.

Strengthening exercises, especially for the core muscles, are very important because they stabilize the spine. Start with simple exercises such as the bridge or opposite arm-and-leg lifts on hands-and-knees.

McKenzie exercises can be useful for sciatica. These exercises aim to help reposition the spine and reduce pressure on the nerves.

The appropriate physiotherapy exercises will be taught to you by a physiotherapist or a medical fitness trainer. See a specialist and learn from them what you should do.

Ergonomic modifications

Proper setup of your home and workplace environment is essential to prevent further problems:

For desk work, use an ergonomic chair that properly supports your lower back. Your monitor should be at eye level and the keyboard positioned so your elbows can be at a 90-degree angle.

Your mattress should be of medium firmness – not too soft, not too hard. Use a suitable pillow that maintains the natural curvature of your cervical spine.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes also play an important role in treating nerve pain:

Weight management: Excess weight places additional strain on the spine and joints, so achieving and maintaining an appropriate weight is important.

Adequate hydration: Good hydration helps preserve the elasticity of the intervertebral discs and ensures proper muscle function.

Regular exercise: Moderate-intensity, regular physical activity such as yoga, swimming, or walking helps maintain muscle strength and flexibility.

When should you see a doctor?

While home treatment methods can be effective, there are cases when you definitely need specialist medical help:

• If the pain does not improve within a few days despite home treatments
• If the pain is so severe that it interferes with your daily activities
• If you experience numbness or weakness in your limbs
• If you have fever or other systemic symptoms along with the pain
• If you have problems with urination or bowel movements

Prevention of nerve pain

Prevention is often simpler than treatment. You can reduce the risk of developing nerve pain with the following methods:

Regular exercise: Appropriately chosen, regular exercise strengthens muscles and improves posture.

Correct posture: Pay attention to your posture both when standing and sitting. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing in one place.

Proper lifting technique: When lifting heavy objects, always bend your knees and keep your back straight.

Stress management: Stress can increase muscle tension, which raises the risk of nerve compression. Find stress management methods that work for you.

Recommendation

Although nerve pain is an unpleasant condition, it can be well managed with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes. The most important thing is to listen to your body’s signals and not ignore persistent pain.

Home treatment methods can be effective, but if symptoms do not improve or worsen, be sure to consult a specialist.

Regular exercise, correct posture, and attention to ergonomic principles can help prevent recurrence of the problem.

Remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not be equally effective for another. Be patient with yourself and give the healing process time. Consistent, persistent treatment combined with lifestyle changes is most likely to lead to the best outcome in treating nerve pain.