Exercise can reduce nerve pain by improving circulation and neural mobility while reducing swelling at the site of nerve irritation. Nerves are viscous in nature and must remain in motion or they will begin to degenerate and eventually die. Therefore, exercise is an important component of nerve health that can treat and even prevent nerve injury.
Peripheral neuropathy is a form of nerve damage that is characterized by persistent pain. It can be caused by a number of conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, shingles, vitamin deficiencies, inherited conditions, and even alcohol intoxication. Exercises that are typically recommended to treat nerve pain include: walking, strength or resistance training, balancing exercises, aerobic exercises, and sliding techniques.
Walking at a low intensity, whether on a treadmill, up a hill or while completing household chores, has been shown to decrease nerve pain by strengthening the extremities and reducing mobility impairment. Strengthening exercises such as heel-raises, stair climbing, and sit-to-stand maneuvers can lead to the reduction of nerve pain as well. While balancing and aerobic exercises are effective, a person using these techniques should be monitored by a health care professional to avoid further injury to the nerves. When conducted under close supervision, however, the combination of aerobic and strengthening exercises can improve nerve pain by strengthening nerve fibers.
Exercises that stretch the nerves are not recommended as this type of movement is harmful to the nervous system and can cause irritation or injury as opposed to improvement. Techniques that reduce tension or desensitize skin and pain receptors, making nerves less sensitive to acute trauma, have proven to be more effective at reducing and alleviating nerve pain. Neural sliding techniques in particular, promote nerve tissue mobility without causing additional nerve irritation or inflammation. Sliding techniques are also referred to as nerve and tendon gliding and these types of exercises are particularly effective at reducing the buildup of fluids around the nerves. Overall, coming to us at the first sign of nerve pain can help ensure that the proper exercise regimen can be designed in order to quickly alleviate neuropathic symptoms.
*DISCLAIMER: These are not medical diagnosis or suggestions for any specific individuals. They are an overview of various conditions, treatments and topics discussed by New York Pain Management Group. If you would like to discuss your symptoms in greater detail, do not hesitate to contact the New York Pain Management Group. To learn more about treatment options for this and other pain conditions, contact us today at www.nopainny.com or call at 1-888-789-NOPAIN! We will be happy to assist you.