Hi Skeeter, I feel for ya, I too have nerve pain that brings me to tears, constant burning aching, relentless pain aggravated by everything and relieved by nothing. Mine is only in my foot and up my leg so I can only imagin the agony you must be in.
Pain pills, are a joke for this kind of pain, so I want to encourage you and anyone else who has similar pain, if you have the facilities available, go to the local pool, indoor and heated is best. It is the only thing that gets me moving reduces the swelling and allows my muscles and joints to move normally in a regular walking postion. I cant walk on the bottom most of the time but I wear a belt and walk in the deep end. When I started going I walked in on a cane and could hardly make it poolside, but after a few weeks, I was able to leave the cane in the car. Another helpful thing and it hurts at first, is the steamroom. If oyu have it available at your local community center or healthclub try it! It kind of hurts during but just 10 minutes and it gets my blood circulating and makes the injured limb sweat which it cant do in its own cause of the nerve damage. Afterwards for an hour or so I have the most relief I ever see. The pain always comes back the burning stinging agonizing pain that air blowing on even hurts, BUT the relief I get for an hour or so after I leave is precious.
Good luck to you.
Su