Nerve pain can be unpredictable. Some days it can feel tolerable, while other days it can flare up and become unmanageable. It’s the worst when you wake up feeling good, and then have to cancel all your plans because your nerve pain decided to flare up! There are several factors that can influence the intensity of nerve pain from day to day. Understanding what these factors are can help you better manage your symptoms and prepare for potential triggers.
Below are five reasons why your nerve pain might feel worse on certain days and ways that you can improve your symptoms.
1. Weather Changes
Many people with nerve pain report shifts in weather can make their symptoms worse, especially when it comes to cold temperatures, high humidity, or sudden pressure changes. For instance, cold weather can cause the muscles to stiffen, leading to more tension around the affected nerves, increasing pain. On the other hand, high humidity and pressure changes can alter blood flow and cause inflammation, which may exacerbate nerve pain.
While you can’t control the weather, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms. If the temperatures are going to be cold, plan on wearing warm, dry clothing, limit your time outdoors, and stay active with gentle exercises like yoga or stretching. In hot weather, try to regulate your body temperature by staying in cool, well-ventilated spaces, drinking plenty of water, and taking regular breaks.
2. Increased Stress and Anxiety
Emotional factors like stress and anxiety can also impact nerve pain. When you’re stressed, your body releases chemicals like cortisol, which can increase inflammation and make pain sensations more pronounced. This can be a slippery slope, as people who feel stressed or anxious then tend to focus on the pain even more, making it worse. Taking steps to manage stress through relaxation techniques can help reduce flare-ups. Here are some ideas:
- Self-care. Take good care of yourself. Eat a balanced diet, get enough rest at night, and move around every day. Spend time with family and loved ones who make you feel happy, and do the activities you enjoy. Remind yourself that you are more than your pain.
- Breathing exercises. Breathing exercises might sound simple, but they can be extremely effective in calming stress and bringing balance to the body. In fact, breathwork has a positive effect on the central nervous system, bringing more oxygen into your bloodstream and decreasing the fight or flight response.
- Yoga and stretching. Yoga is another great way to reduce stress and anxiety. The stretching in yoga helps open up the nerves and arteries to relieve pain. Plus, the meditation involved in yoga can help you focus on the present moment, giving you relief from current stressors.
- Progressive muscle relaxation. PMR is a deep relaxation technique that can help with chronic pain, stress and anxiety, and insomnia. It’s based upon the simple practice of tensing the muscles one group at a time followed by relaxation.
- Talk to others. Be sure to share your feelings with others, whether it’s your friends, family, a support group, or a professional therapist. Talking about your pain can help you feel less alone and provide you with hope and encouragement.
3. Physical Activity
It’s normal to be more or less active on certain days. Finding that sweet spot is ideal, as too much activity can place stress on your nerves, while too little activity can worsen pain.
For instance, when you overexert yourself, particularly if you’ve done repetitive motions or strenuous exercises, the affected nerves can become more irritated. The resulting inflammation and muscle tension can make the pain even worse the following day. On the other hand, a lack of exercise can lead to chronic pain, worsening neuropathic pain.
Find a healthy balance of activity to reduce blood sugar, increase blood flow to the arms and legs, and keep the muscles loose. Moving around is especially important if you have an underlying condition like diabetes causing the pain.
4. Sleep Quality
The quality of sleep you get can also change from day to day, influencing pain levels. When you’re deprived of sleep, your body is less able to repair itself, and your nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain signals. Poor sleep can also lead to increased inflammation, causing your nerve pain to feel more intense. Focus on getting adequate and restful sleep every night. Not only will this help ease your symptoms, but also it will give you the strength to deal with your pain.
It’s not uncommon for nerve pain to worsen at night, so you may have to get creative with your sleeping arrangements. Create the right sleeping environment, empower your body’s natural sleep cycle, and try using a cream like this Miracle Nerve Cream to ease neuropathic pain. Incorporating these other lifestyle changes into your routine can also help you sleep better at night.
5. Diet and Hydration
Your diet plays a role in how intense your nerve pain is. Certain foods trigger inflammation, such as processed foods high in sugar or unhealthy fats, making nerve pain worse. Foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, however, can help reduce pain. Some of the best foods for nerve health include fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.
Also, make sure to stay hydrated, as dehydration can lead to muscle cramps, which can put added pressure on affected nerves, worsening pain. You may also benefit from a supplement such as this Neuropathy Support Formula that contains B vitamins, benfotiamine, alpha lipoic acid, and more to support good nerve health and decrease pain. Always talk to a healthcare provider before adding a new medicine to your regimen.
Treat Nerve Pain for Better Days
Managing nerve pain requires attention to various lifestyle factors. By being mindful of what worsens your pain, whether it’s weather changes, stress, physical activity, sleep, or diet, you can take proactive steps to minimize the flare-ups and make the bad days more manageable. If you find that your nerve pain consistently interferes with your daily life, try Neuro Health’s supplement or nerve cream. We have a 100% money-back guarantee, so try risk free today!