Nerve pain, also referred to as neuralgia, can seriously affect your ability to function and lower your feelings of well-being. The exact causes of nerve pain are often unknown, but certain conditions, such as diabetes, nerve damage and pressure placed on nerves due to muscle tightness can all play a contributing role. While a number of treatments can help, some research has also shown that magnesium supplementation may offer benefits. Consult your doctor before you use any dietary supplement.
Importance of Magnesium
Your body requires magnesium, an essential mineral for numerous biological processes, including regulating cholesterol levels, assisting with energy metabolism, helping to maintain normal cardiovascular functioning and aiding smooth muscle movements. Although magnesium is present in a number of foods, such as leafy greens and nuts, most people do not obtain enough magnesium from dietary sources. According to nutrition expert Earl Mindell and health writer Virginia Hopkins in their book, "Prescription Alternatives:Hundreds of Safe, Natural, Prescription-Free Remedies to Restore and Maintain Your Health," early signs of a magnesium deficiency can include nerve pain, muscle pain and an irregular heartbeat.
Nerve Pain Facts
Nerve pain can make even the simplest of activities unbearable. You may find it difficult to lie down, sit or stand in one position, and movement may not ease your pain. Nerve pain can cause serious or simply annoying sensations, such as tingling, weakness, feelings of pins-and-needles, pain and increased sensitivity along the path of the nerve. While certain treatments can offer relief, the cause of nerve pain needs to be identified in order to prevent future occurrences. Magnesium supplementation may help alleviate some of the symptoms, as it is thought to have a relaxing effect on your muscles and nerves.
Clinical Evidence
Many of the studies demonstrating magnesium's benefits for nerve pain have been performed on laboratory animals. One study, published in the December 1994 issue of the journal, "Brain Research" showed that magnesium supplementation suppressed some neuropathic pain responses in laboratory rats. The researchers concluded that magnesium may have a limited benefit to patients suffering from painful peripheral neuropathy. Another study, published in the November 2010 issue of the "Journal of Physiology," showed that magnesium supplementation helped to reduce hypersensitivity and neurpathic pain in laboratory rats in a diabetic model of neuropathic pain. More clinical studies are needed to fully confirm the benefits of magnesium supplementation on human subjects suffering from nerve pain.
Considerations
While magnesium supplements may help certain types of nerve pain, you should not use dietary supplements to self-treat your symptoms. Nerve pain can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. Consult your doctor to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. Inform your doctor if you choose to use a magnesium supplement.
References
- "Prescription Alternatives: Hundreds of Safe, Natural, Prescription-Free Remedies to Restore and Maintain Your Health"; Earl Mindell and Virginia Hopkins; 2009
- "Brain Research"; Magnesium Suppresses Neuropathic Pain Responses in Rats Via a Spinal Site of Action; W. Xiao and G. Bennett; December 1994
- "Journal of Physiology"; Magnesium Attenuates Chronic Hypersensitivity and Spinal Cord NMDA Receptor Phosphorylation in a Rat Model of Diabetic Neuropathic Pain; L.J. Rondon, et al.; November 2010
