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How can you care for neuropathic pain?
- Save hard tasks for days when you have less pain. Follow a hard task with an easy task. And remember to take breaks.
- Relax, and reduce stress. You may want to try deep breathing or meditation. These can help.
- Keep moving. Gentle, daily exercise can help reduce pain. Your doctor or physical therapist can tell you what type of exercise is best for you. This may include walking, swimming, and stationary biking. It may also include stretches and range-of-motion exercises.
- Try heat, cold packs, and massage.
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Get enough sleep. Constant pain can make you more tired. If the pain makes it hard to sleep, talk with your doctor.
- Think positively. Your thoughts can affect your pain. Do fun things to distract yourself from the pain. See a movie, read a book, listen to music, or spend time with a friend.
- Keep a pain diary for a while. Try to write down how strong your pain is and what it feels like. Also try to notice and write down how your moods, thoughts, sleep, activities, and medicine affect your pain. These notes can help you and your doctor find the best ways to treat your pain.
Neuropathic pain: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You feel sad, anxious, or hopeless for more than a few days. This could mean you are depressed. Depression is common in people who have a lot of pain. But it can be treated.
- You have trouble with bowel movements, such as:
- No bowel movement in 3 days.
- Blood in the anal area, in your stool, or on the toilet paper.
- Diarrhea for more than 24 hours.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your pain is getting worse.
- You can't sleep because of pain.
- You are very worried or anxious about your pain.
- You have trouble taking your pain medicine.
- You have any concerns about your pain medicine or its side effects.
- You have vomiting or cramps for more than 2 hours.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.