Chronic Pain
Tired of struggling with relentless nerve pain that ends in sleepless nights and drains your energy? Thankfully, due to the advancements in medicine science, there is a way out that potentially gives you lasting relief and helps to live a stress free life. Gabapentin is known to treat seizures and reduce the transmission of pain signals through the nerves and brain.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain, in nerves or brain, often arises from conditions like shingles, diabetic conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, spinal cord injuries, or sciatica. According to clinical studies, approximately 20% of the US adult population experience chronic pain at some point in their lives, disrupting their mental health and body’s ability to function normally.
Chronic pain conditions are generally not relieved by consuming normal pain killers.
Types of Nerve Related Chronic Pain
Nerve-related chronic pain arises from dysfunctional nerves caused due to nerve injuries. The common types of nerve pain include:
Central Pain:
The central nerve related pain results from damage to the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, that’s difficult to treat with over-the-counter medications.
Peripheral Neuropathy Pain:
This neuropathic pain impacts the external parts of the brain and spinal cord. It is often caused by prolonged diabetes, infections or nerve injuries.
Mixed Neuropathic Pain:
Nerve pain resulting from both the peripheral and central nervous system is termed as mixed neuropathic pain.
How Gabapentin Works for Pain Treatment?
Belonging to the group of anticonvulsants, Gabapentin is a prescription medication that impacts the way your nerves communicate in your brain and spinal cord. Here’s how it works to treat chronic pain in adults.
1. Calms overactive nerves: Gabapentin slows down pain signals, especially in damaged nerves.
2. Reduces potential burning sensations: Patients consuming Gabapentin for pain treatment have often experienced a relief from burning and tingling sensations.
3. Decreases Anxiety: Studies have reported positive effects on reducing the general anxiety among people with various nerve chronic pain disorders.
When Should You Use Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is most often used to treat consistent neuropathic pain. Here are a few medical conditions where you may consider taking Gabapentin for pain treatment.
Shingles:
Nerve-pain resulting from Shingles can be effectively treated using Gabapentin. It blocks certain pain-inducing neurotransmitters thus reducing the subsequent nerve pain.
Spinal Issues:
Spinal Stenosis, a degenerative medical condition affecting people over the age of 60, can be treated using Gabapentin, following medical advice. It helps to release the painful pinches on the nerves.
Sciatica:
Sciatica is a medical condition that causes intense pain in the lower back area, running through the hips and buttocks. Gabapentin for sciatica treatment helps control short term pain and may also prevent central sensitization, if consumed at the onset of sciatica symptoms.
Post Surgery Back Pain:
Gabapentin is known to provide significant relief from pain caused by back and spinal surgery.
Fibromyalgia:
Fibromyalgia is a nerve disease resulting from musculoskeletal pain. Medical practitioners prescribe Gabapentin as it can effectively help treat this medical disorder.
Other Neuropathic Pain:
Pain arising from diabetic neuropathy can negatively impact your feet. Gabapentin can effectively reduce the pain caused in diabetes or any other condition where nerves are involved
When to Talk to Your Doctor?
Although Gabapentin is a smart alternative to traditional painkillers for pain treatment, it is not recommended for everyone. Have a conversation with your doctor if you notice these signs or want to know the side effects of taking Gabapentin.
- Your chronic pain feels more like electric shocks.
- Tried other painkillers but gained limited or no relief.
- Quality of life is declining due to sleep issues and constant pain.
- Looking for effective Chronic pain treatment but confused about the right medication for yourself.
Take The Next Step to Pain Treatment Using Gabapentin
Gabapentin could be a science-backed option for many Americans that suffer from Chronic nerve pain. It is always advisable to consult a pain specialist or neurologist for nerve-related pain treatment. The sooner you get correct treatment, the better your chances of living a peaceful, pain-free life.
Disclaimer: The above article is for informational purposes and definitely not a substitute for professional medical advice. We always recommend consulting a healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance catering to your condition.