Trigeminal Neuralgia is a rare condition that frequently affects people older than 50. Despite being rare, it's one of the most common causes of debilitating facial pain. In the United States, approximately 15,000 people are diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia annually. Unfortunately, there are not many healthcare providers specializing in this condition, so patients may find it challenging to find trigeminal neuralgia pain relief that works.
Even if it's common to older people, it can strike anyone and is known to happen to more women than men. If you've tried many medications and other methods to feel better from your symptoms, it's normal to feel that you want to give up hope, especially if you are unsure if there's an effective method to help with your debilitating facial pain.
If you are suffering from any facial pain, it's essential to see a doctor so they can rule out other potential causes. Once other causes have been ruled out, your doctor may diagnose you with trigeminal neuralgia based on your symptoms and medical history.
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The most common symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, severe, electric shock-like pains you feel on one side of your face. This pain can last for seconds to minutes and can happen without warning. Your daily activities, such as brushing your teeth or speaking, may also trigger trigeminal neuralgia symptoms. Other known trigeminal neuralgia symptoms include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on one side of your face, you must visit your trusted healthcare provider to help you find effective trigeminal neuralgia pain relief.
Classic or typical trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by episodes of severe, sharp, jabbing, lasting pain from seconds to minutes. These episodes can be triggered by everyday activities such as brushing teeth, putting on makeup, or even a gust of wind.
This type of trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by a dull, aching pain that is constant or comes and goes.
An alternating hot and cold compress may help you temporarily relieve the pain in your face or head due to trigeminal neuralgia. The heat helps relax tense muscles in the face that can put more pressure on the nerves inside the head. Cold compress, on the other hand, helps reduce inflammation, which adds more pressure on the sensitive nerves in the face and head.
This may sound painful already. As you may know, having trigeminal neuralgia means that even the slightest touch on your face or head can cause pain. But sometimes, applying gentle pressure on your forehead, cheeks, and some parts of the jaw can help alleviate some pain. Only you can identify what's tolerable, but we suggest starting slow and gently.
The use of peppermint oil is known to help with pain and inflammation due to its anti-pain and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, you will experience its cooling effect when applied topically. This will can ease muscle tension and head and body aches.
Also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, ginger is an herbal remedy to manage pain. There are now available ginger-infused liniments or essential oils that you can use to help ease trigeminal neuralgia pain.
Vitamin B12 helps with the overall function of your nerves. So if you have Vitamin B12 deficiency, you are at risk for the degeneration of the myelin sheath or the protective covering of your nerves. When your nerves are unprotected, they are prone to injury and inflammation that can trigger severe pain. Vitamin B12 supplements can support neuronal regeneration through myelination of the injured nerve and promote nerve regeneration. Consult with your healthcare provider on what type of Vitamin B12 you can start taking and the recommended dose.
The leading cause of trigeminal neuralgia is unknown. But experts look at trigeminal nerve compression or another medical condition that may be causing it. Sometimes it is also linked to facial trauma or dental procedures.But another possible cause experts are looking at is linked to the upper cervical spine. When these bones sustain injury, misalignment, or inflammation, it can bring pain and health concerns, one of which is trigeminal neuralgia.Some patients with trigeminal neuralgia report incidents of car accidents, sports injuries, or other traumatic incidents affecting the head and neck area. And these unfortunate events can be responsible for shifting the alignment of your spine's C1 or C2 bones, the top two bones. When they are displaced, irritation and compression of the nerves can follow, which can lead to sensitivities and pain.The best way to relieve the irritation and compression of your nerves affected by the C1 and C2 is by correcting their alignment through upper cervical chiropractic adjustments. An upper cervical chiropractic doctor near you can help you find trigeminal neuralgia pain relief through gentle adjustments.
Upper cervical chiropractic adjustments are generally safe and effective in managing trigeminal neuralgia pain and discomfort through natural and non-invasive methods. By correcting misalignments in the bones of your upper neck, the unnecessary pressure is taken off of your delicate nerves.This directory of upper cervical chiropractic doctors near you can point you to a reputable practitioner who can help with your trigeminal neuralgia woes. Just narrow your search based on location and call to book your appointment.Sometimes it may feel like your pain and discomfort will never end. But with proper trigeminal neuralgia care and the correct course of action, you will feel much better in no time.
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The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
