Nerve cells and muscle cells are excitable. Their cell membrane can produce electrochemical impulses and conduct them along the membrane. The origin of the membrane voltage is the same in nerve cells as in muscle cells. In both cell types, the membrane generates an impulse as a consequence of excitation.

The target cells of neurons include other nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, and autonomic ganglia, and the cells of muscles and glands throughout the body.

Cardiac muscle cells are located in the walls of the heart, appear striated, and are under involuntary control. Smooth muscle fibers are located in walls of hollow visceral organs, except the heart, appear spindle-shaped, and are also under involuntary control.

neuromuscular junction

In most nerve and muscle cells, the resting membrane potential is about 60 mV, negative on the inside; the potential is due mainly to the relatively large number of open K+ channels in the membrane (see Figure 21-9).

Muscle cells are found specifically in muscles and possess the ability to shorten themselves due to the presence of motor proteins in them. Nerve cells are functional units of the nervous system. They are granular cells and help in the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the body.

The function of muscle tissue (smooth, skeletal, and cardiac) is to contract, while nervous tissue is responsible for communication.

Motor neurons have the most common type of ‘body plan’ for a nerve cell – they are multipolar, each with one axon and several dendrites.

Your neurons carry messages in the form of electrical signals called nerve impulses. To create a nerve impulse, your neurons have to be excited. Stimuli such as light, sound or pressure all excite your neurons, but in most cases, chemicals released by other neurons will trigger a nerve impulse.

A triggering event occurs that depolarizes the cell body. This signal comes from other cells connecting to the neuron, and it causes positively charged ions to flow into the cell body. Neurotransmitters are released by cells near the dendrites, often as the end result of their own action potential!

When a neuron spikes it releases a neurotransmitter, a chemical that travels a tiny distance across a synapse before reaching other neurons (Fig 1). Any time a neuron spikes, neurotransmitters are released from hundreds of its synapses, resulting in communication with hundreds of other neurons.

Treating Nerve Pain

1. Topical treatments. Some over-the-counter and prescription topical treatments — like creams, lotions, gels, and patches — can ease nerve pain.
2. Anticonvulsants.
3. Antidepressants .
4. Painkillers.
5. Electrical stimulation.
6. Other techniques.
7. Complementary treatments.
8. Lifestyle changes.

There are also a number of natural treatments to help reduce symptoms and peripheral neuropathy.

1. Vitamins. Some cases of peripheral neuropathy are related to vitamin deficiencies.
2. Cayenne pepper.
3. Quit smoking.
4. Warm bath.
5. Exercise.
6. Essential oils.
7. Meditation.
8. Acupuncture.

Anticonvulsant and antidepressant drugs are often the first line of treatment. Some neuropathic pain studies suggest the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Aleve or Motrin, may ease pain. Some people may require a stronger painkiller.

If left untreated, it may lead to permanent nerve damage. The most common symptoms of a pinched nerve include neck pain that travels down the arms and shoulders, difficulty lifting things, headache, and muscle weakness and numbness or tingling in fingers or hands.