Nerve pain is a chronic pain that can’t be specified for a particular part of the body. You can feel discomfort like burning, snappy, freezing, or electric shocks anywhere. This is very painful and seems in mostly damaged nerves of the body. So, if it is normal pain then a question arises, Does pain medication help nerve pain? If yes then some front line pain killers like Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Percocet, Norco or Vicodin can be taken in neuropathy. Here, Oxycodone tends to be more effective for pain management. Therefore, in this article we will discuss “How Does Oxycodone Help With Nerve Pain?”
Symptoms and Causes of Nerve Pain
Symptoms of nerve pain varies in individuals depending upon their severity and type of disease. The symptoms may appear for few times or can stay up to long hours. Let’s analyze those signs to identify the neuropathy disease.
- In neuropathy, the affected area sometimes loses sensation in temperature or cold.
- Damaged nerves can cause muscle weakness in the particular area.
- Burning or hurting pins like sensation feels in neuropathy affected area.
- Sometimes it feels electric shock-like pain and then normalizes after few times.
- Poor nerve activity can be also cause loss of coordination or confusion.
If any of these symptoms are seen, then must go for a medical visit to cure neuropathy.
Causes of Nerve Pain
Nerve pain is generally caused by damaged nerves. It could happen due to any diseases, infections, severe injury, vitamin deficiencies, alcohol, tumors, spine problems, or after therapies(chemotherapy/radiation therapy). In neuropathy, dysfunction of the nerves can affects a single nerve or the entire nervous system. You should get precautions in the starting stage of nerve pain.
Neuropathy seems different types in different people. For example Diabetes is the most common dieasese that damages nerve. Increase in sugar level in the blood blocks supplying oxygen and nutrients to the nerve. Which gradually damages nerve even if taking any medication. After trauma injury some conditions like stretching, or crushing the nerve can cause long-term neuropathy. Infections and autoimmune diseases also damages the nerve which causes pain in future. Some vitamins like Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E have a great role in our body constructions specially for the nerves nutrients. It’s deficiency can cause serious and long-term pain to the patient.
What is Oxycodone and How It Manage Pain?
Oxycodone is a well-known opioid for managing pain. Oxycodone is derived from the opium poppy and contains Oxycodone Hydrochloride as the active component. As it is a generic version, it’s extended-release version and combined version are also approved for safe pain management. It is available in common brand names like OxyContin, Percocet, And Roxicodone. All of these are prescribed to the patient according to the their severity of conditions.
Oxycodone manages pain by acting on the opioid receptors present in the Central Nervous System. This is the binding process to the mu-opioid receptors in brain, spinal cord, and in the entire nervous system. Oxy pill mainly acting on these parts blocks the transmission of pain signals. It changes the perception of pain and generates relaxation.
Oxycodone For Neuropathic Pain
Oxycodone is mainly prescribed for post-surgical pain, severe injury-related pain, cancer-related pain, and chronic pain that doesn’t respond to weaker medications. Considering this scenario he patient might be confused about Do Oxycodone Help Neuropathic Pain? The answer is, it can be used for relieving nerve pain, but can’t be used as the first choice for neuropathic pain. Because it can relief pain only by altering the way of response.
Nerve pain mainly reduces through the medicines which targets on signaling of nerves, but here Oxycodone relieves pain by acting on specific mu-receptors. For which Oxycodone might used as last option but not used as an initial treatment.
When Oxycodone Used For Nerve Pain?
Although Oxycodone is not meant for neuropathic pain, it can be used for moderate to severe neuropathic pain when other medications are not able to relieve the pain. However, Oxycodone doesn’t act well for nerve signaling but it can be prescribed for certain conditions. When Other standard pills for neuropathy can’t used for allergies, then the Oxy pill can be used after checking its safety precautions. Some chronic cases, like cancer pain and the pain that needs short-term pain management can be cured by oxycodone safely.
Besides them Oxycodone can be a perfect fit when it is combined with lower dose neuropathic pain reliever. But it carries certain risks, so consult a doctor before taking any pill.
Best Alternatives to Oxycodone for Nerve Pain
It is best to use the first-line treatments for neuropathic pain rather than using any other pain killers. The medications which works on nerve signaling for pain relief will work better for your nerve pain. Let’s know some of these example in below:
- Gabapentin
Gabapentin camls the over reactive nerves and mostly used as first line treatment. It is best for diabetic neuropathy that causes for increase in sugar level.
- Pregabalin
It is similar to Gabapentin pill but works faster and more potent to relieve pain.
- Duloxetine
Duloxetine is an antidepressant that works better for nerve related pain by balancing serotonin and norepinephrine level.
- NSAIDs or Acetaminophen
This is also a frontline treatment for nerve pain, which results decrease in inflammation in the nerves.
You can also try some natural alternatives that give relief from pain without any side effects. By reducing inflammation, calming overactive nerves, and supporting overall nerve health these alternatives helps you a healthy way for recovery.
- Turmeric
It has anti-inflammatory properties that will help you for reducing nerve irritation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
It will helps to repairing the damaged nerve and found in fish oil, flaxseed, and walnuts.
- Magnesium
Blocakage of nerves is the main reason of damaging, therefore take it for relaxing nerve pathways.
- Vitamin B Complex
Take B1, B6, and B12 vitamins to maintain nerve health.
- Essential Oils
Peppermint oil, Lavender oil, or Eucalyptus oil may relief temporarily for the nerve pain. Take it with other appropriate supplement for better result.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, you have known that Oxycodone relieves pain but not works well for neuropathy. Best neuropathic pain medications are those who responds well to nerve signaling. Therefore, always consult an expert before taking the pill. Taking oxycodone with other neuropathy medication might safe, you could ask your physician. Always follow the doctor’s guidance while taking Oxycodone or any medication related to nerve pain.