How can I manage a pinched nerve without meds? by Connie b. Dellobuono
Answer by Connie b. Dellobuono:
Vitamin B complex, pineapple and turmeric/ginger for nerve pain. Dr Mercola wrote herbs for pain relief:
Astaxanthin: One of the most effective fat-soluble antioxidants known, astaxanthin also has potent anti-inflammatory properties and in many cases works more effectively than anti-inflammatory drugs. Higher doses are typically required—you may need 8 mg or more per day to achieve this benefit.
Ginger: This herb has potent anti-inflammatory activity and offers pain relief and stomach-settling properties. Fresh ginger works well steeped in boiling water as a tea or grated into vegetable juice.
Curcumin: In a study of osteoarthritis patients, those who added 200 mg of curcumin a day to their treatment plan had reduced pain and increased mobility. A prior study also found that turmeric extract (rich in curcuminoids) blocked inflammatory pathways, effectively preventing the overproduction of a protein that triggers swelling and pain.
Boswellia: Also known as boswellin or "Indian frankincense," this herb contains specific active anti-inflammatory agents. This is one of my personal favorites as I have seen it work well with many rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Krill Oil: Many clinical studies have found the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA, contained in krill oil, to have anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for pain.
Bromelain: This enzyme, found in pineapples, is a natural anti-inflammatory. Bromelain can be taken in supplement form, but eating fresh pineapple, including some of the bromelain-rich stem, may also be helpful.
Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO): This oil, found in fish and dairy butter, acts as a "joint lubricant" and anti-inflammatory. I have used a topical CMO preparation myself to relieve ganglion cysts and a mildly annoying carpal tunnel syndrome that pops up when I type too much on non-ergonomic keyboards.
Evening Primrose, Black Currant, and Borage Oils: These contain the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is useful for treating arthritic pain.
Capsaicin Cream: Capsaicin comes from dried hot peppers and has pain-relief and anti-inflammatory properties. Capsaicin depletes your body's supply of substance P, a chemical component of the pain signals your nerve cells transmit to your brain. It is available in pain-relieving creams and patches, and has shown promise for relieving shingles pain, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, and more.