How a Chiropractor Can Help Trigeminal Neuralgia Nerve Pain

Dealing with TN pain? Learn how chiropractic care for 5th trigeminal nerve pain can help you feel comfortable again.

Chiropractic treatment for trigeminal neuralgia focuses on managing symptoms using different techniques, such as spinal manipulation and massage.

Because stabilizing the spine is integral to managing this nerve pain condition, chiropractors often use spinal decompression techniques and other manual therapies to relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve.

They can also use chiropractic massage techniques, such as deep tissue massage, to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the area where the nerve is affected. Some other treatments they may use include trigger point therapy, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle counseling to help patients manage stress and prevent relapse.

Overall, chiropractic care can be an excellent complement to conventional treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. It may help some patients achieve pain relief without the severe side effects of medications or surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of this nerve pain condition, talk to your doctor about whether chiropractic treatment could benefit you.

Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux or tic facial, is a chronic disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve causing severe pain in the jaw and face. The disorder may be caused by damage to the nerves in the brain or irritation of the nerves in the face due to a tumor or a blood vessel pressing on the nerves in the face. Other causes include multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and migraine. The pain may be constant or occur only during certain activities like chewing or speaking. Some sufferers experience intense pain that lasts for days at a time.

There is no cure for trigeminal neuralgia, but you can use medications to manage the pain. Several surgical options may help relieve trigeminal neuralgia symptoms, including a procedure in which an electrode is inserted into the brain through an opening made in the skull.

Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia

There are several potential causes of trigeminal neuralgia, including compression or damage to the trigeminal nerve.

In some cases, compression of adjacent structures within the brain can lead to TN, such as a blood vessel compressing the trigeminal nerve in the brainstem. Other causes may include facial trauma or damage to the trigeminal nerve due to surgery on the brain or head, such as tumor removal.

In addition to these potential causes of TN, several risk factors may contribute to developing this condition, including:

• Age (TN is more common in people over 50)
• Gender (women are more likely to develop TN than men)
• Race (TN is more common in Caucasian people)

In some cases, there might also be a genetic link, as TN can run in families.

Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia causes intense stabbing or electric shock-like facial pain. It is caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve and can occur suddenly or gradually over time.

Common symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include sudden shooting pains in the parts of the face served by this nerve and a feeling that someone is touching or pressing on your cheek, lip, or chin. The pain may wax and wane over time, but it can sometimes be constant. Pain attacks may last minutes to hours.

How Chiropractors Treat 5th Trigeminal Nerve Pain

Chiropractors are trained to treat various ailments and conditions, including 5th trigeminal nerve pain.

Their approach typically involves performing a thorough consultation, taking your medical history, examining the affected area(s), and running appropriate diagnostic tests. Then, based on their findings, they will develop a treatment plan for you, which may involve a combination of adjustments and other manual techniques, physical therapy, and lifestyle advice.

Restoring Proper Communication Between Nerves, the Spinal Cord, and the Brain

Chiropractors focus on maintaining proper communication between the spinal cord and brain through adjustments to the spine. A chiropractic adjustment, or spinal manipulation, is a hands-on technique that involves applying controlled force to specific joints in the spine. This force helps restore proper alignment and mobility to the vertebrae of your spine. When all of the bones in your spine are properly aligned and functioning correctly, your body can function the way it was designed.

This corrects any misalignments that interfere with the normal functions of the nervous system, thus reducing pain and other symptoms.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Adjustment for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia involves pain in the nerves that make up your trigeminal nerve. This nerve runs from your brain to your face. It’s responsible for many different sensations on your face, including touch and pressure, heat and cold, and deep muscle sensations coming from the muscles around your mouth.

Upper cervical chiropractic care is a natural treatment for trigeminal neuralgia symptoms. Because the upper cervical vertebrae maintain proper blood flow to the brain, misalignment of these bones can cause problems later on.

Chiropractic care is a safe, effective treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. The upper cervical chiropractic spinal column is uniquely capable of helping the body’s nervous system do its job as designed by nature: to promote health and healing in people suffering from this painful condition.

The results are often seen quite rapidly and can be life-changing for people suffering from this painful condition.

Relieve TN Nerve Pain with Chiropractic Care

When the nerves in this area are pinched or constricted, it leads to unpleasant symptoms like headaches and facial pain. The good news is that with a few adjustments from a professional chiropractor, you can get some much-needed relief in no time at all.

One of the main reasons our necks and heads can be prone to nerve pain is that we spend so much of our day sitting at a desk or in front of a computer screen. Without proper support, our heads hang forward, which leads to nerve compression over time. With regular chiropractic care, however, you can get your body back into proper alignment and eliminate the root of the problem.

To help relieve trigeminal nerve pain in your neck and head, here are a few things that you can do on your own:

• Invest in a quality ergonomic chair with lumbar support. This will ensure that you are sitting in a position that is comfortable and healthy for your body.
• Take frequent breaks from the computer screen to stretch or walk around. Even a few minutes of movement can help improve circulation, keeping your nerves functioning correctly over time.
• Make sure that you are getting enough quality sleep each night. Poor sleep can lead to increased tension in the body, which is known to worsen nerve pain over time.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care is a popular option for relieving nerve pain, especially in cases of TN. Chiropractic treatment may help address any underlying imbalances causing the pain, such as a misaligned spine. The first step in evaluating the effectiveness of chiropractic care for TN nerve pain is to consult a qualified practitioner.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.