Have you ever experienced a sudden, sharp pain that feels like an electric shock to your face? Or perhaps you've had difficulty chewing, speaking, or even brushing your teeth due to excruciating pain? If you've been in a car accident or suffered a whiplash injury, you might be experiencing the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. 

Upper Cervical Chiropractors see numerous cases of patients who developed trigeminal neuralgia after a whiplash injury. And notably, most of them aren't aware of the connection between their traumatic injury and their facial pain. 

So, suppose you're feeling hopeless and frustrated because of your unexplainable and crippling facial pain after a whiplash injury. In that case, we suggest you keep scrolling to learn more about your condition. 

We will tackle the answers to typical trigeminal neuralgia FAQS, like: "Why does trigeminal neuralgia hurt so much?" and "How can a neck injury cause crippling facial pain?". Hopefully, by doing so, you can have a clearer picture of your condition and outline the critical steps to move forward.  

Why Does Trigeminal Neuralgia Hurt So Much?

Trigeminal neuralgia, or "tic douloureux," is a painful disorder. It causes searing facial pain that can get triggered by even the most trivial activities. 

According to John Hopkins Medicine, the pain that stems from trigeminal neuralgia is one of the worst symptoms a patient can experience. So, although it's not life-threatening, patients diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia often have a tough time coping and navigating daily challenges. 

The reason why trigeminal neuralgia hurts a lot is nerve compression. As we often explain to patients, trigeminal neuralgia affects the nerve supplying sensation to the face. It usually occurs when the trigeminal nerve gets compressed, causing it to misfire and send excessive pain signals to the brain. 

How Does Trigeminal Neuralgia Develop After a Whiplash Injury?

Notably, some cases of nerve compression stem from a whiplash injury – a form of neck trauma that compromises the topmost neck bones (atlas and axis). The forceful jerking of the neck tends to damage the neck's soft tissues, joints, and ligaments. It can also force the axis and atlas bones to shift away from their original alignment, leaving you at risk for posture-related issues like chronic low back pain, uneven gait, and trouble keeping your balance. 

Naturally, fixing the problem would require seeking a healthcare professional who can help you ease your misaligned neck bones back in place. This is where an Upper Cervical doctor comes in.  

What Can An Upper Cervical Chiropractor Do to End Your Facial Pain?

Upper Cervical Care is a gentle, precise, and non-invasive chiropractic technique focusing on the delicate relationship between the head and neck. Using specialized diagnostic imaging, Upper Cervical Chiropractors can accurately pinpoint the location of a misalignment in the upper neck and apply adjustments that will help fix the problem. 

Contrary to what most people expect, it's not a one-time fix but a thorough care plan that aims to help the body heal better after a whiplash injury. No matter how long ago the traumatic incident occurred, its repercussions can haunt you in the future if you fail to ensure proper neck bone alignment. If you or someone you know is suffering from trigeminal neuralgia after a whiplash injury, we urge you to consider seeking the help of an Upper Cervical doctor. 

With the specialized training and experience of a Cervical Chiropractor, you can be sure to receive a top-notch and targeted care plan for your neck bone misalignments. Remember, you don't have to live with the debilitating pain of trigeminal neuralgia—help is available. Book your consultation with a nearby Trigeminal Neuralgia Chiropractor today!