How Nerve Damage Affects the Body

Nerve damage is a progressive injury sustained in the nervous tissue. There are many variations of damages in the nerves, depending on the located of the affected area. There are three types of nerve damage: Neuropraxia, Axonotmesis, and Neurotmesis.

Neuropraxia is less severe of the three nerve damage types. It’s caused by an interruption in the conduction of impulses within the nerve fiber. On the other hand, Axonotmesis occurs when there’s a disruption of the neuronal axon. It can lead to paralysis of the motor. However, recovery is possible as long as the regeneration of the motor end plates occurs. Finally, Neurotmesis occurs when the connective tissues and the axon lose their continuity. There is a complete loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic function.

Symptoms of Nerve Damage

The nervous system consists of networks of nerves located in all parts of the body. As such, the symptoms from nerve damage will depend on the type of nerves affected. Nerve damage can occur in the spinal cord and the brain. It can also occur in peripheral nerves throughout the rest of the body.

Nerve damage signs and symptoms are categorized into three types: autonomic, sensory and motor.

The most common symptoms of autonomic nerve damage are: inability to feel chest pain, profuse and light sweating as well as lightheadedness. Bladder dysfunction, sexual disorders, dry mouth and eyes could also point to autonomic nerve damage.

Muscle atrophy, weakness, twitching and paralysis are the usual symptoms of damaged motor nerves. Finally, the symptoms of sensory nerve damage are numbness, tingling sensation, burning and sensitivity. Pain in various parts of the body could also point to sensory nerve damage.

Causes of Nerve Damage

There are many possible reasons for nerve damage. Usually, it’s caused by chronic diseases, side effects of certain medication and injuries. When the nerves are damaged, they are likely to cause pain on areas where there should be no cause of pain. Nerves misfiring cause the sensation. And science cannot explain why the nerves do this. When left untreated, nerve damage could lead to serious medical conditions too.

Usually, nerve pain and damage is healed through therapy and cocktails of painkillers. However, if you are looking for alternative ways to heal, consider these tips:

Manage Your Blood Sugar Level

If you’re diabetic, you could suffer from nerve damage if you don’t control your blood sugar level. It’s important to keep the blood sugar within the normal range to prevent diabetic nerve pain. Eat low-glycemic fruits and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Exercise regularly to promote blood flow to the nerves.

Take Vit. B12 Supplements

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that repairs damaged nerves and eases back pain. It promotes the thickening of nerves’ protective coating, strengthening the nerves. When the nerve’s protective coating is strong, it minimizes the occurrence of misfires.  A daily dose of vitamin B12 should keep the nerves healthy.

Powdered Ginger

Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that minimize nerve pain. It keeps the joints healthy by improving mobility. Just add half a teaspoon of powdered ginger to hot water. Stir well and enjoy. You can also take a ginger capsule every day to manage nerve pain.