Can Neck Tension Trigger Trigeminal Neuralgia?

September 7, 2023

Are you among the many enduring the excruciating pain of trigeminal neuralgia, but feel puzzled about what could be triggering your relentless flare-ups? If you've been tirelessly addressing jaw-related issues, yet the pain persists, there may be an unexpected culprit hiding in the shadows. Let’s delve into the fascinating realm of trigeminal neuralgia, exploring the surprising connection between neck tension and this debilitating condition. We'll also shed light on how you can potentially achieve lasting trigeminal neuralgia pain relief with the help of gentle atlas bone adjustments. 

Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain and Neck Tension Connection

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is one of the largest cranial nerves and is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain. The exact cause of TN is not entirely understood, but it is believed that it may be due to an abnormal compression of the nerve, often by a blood vessel, leading to erratic and hyperactive nerve firing.

Meanwhile, neck tension refers to tightness or stiffness in the muscles of the neck. This can arise from various causes including poor posture, muscle strain, stress, or underlying medical conditions. Tight neck muscles can compress or irritate the nerves that pass through the neck. While the trigeminal nerve itself does not pass through the neck, other associated nerves and structures can be affected by neck tension.

The Connection Between Trigeminal Neuralgia And Neck Pain

  • Referral of pain: Pain can sometimes be referred from one area of the body to another. This means that an issue in the neck might cause pain to be felt in the face, even if there's no apparent problem in the facial area itself.
  • Sympathetic nervous system activation: Chronic neck tension can lead to increased activation of the sympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response. This heightened state of alertness can make the nervous system, including the trigeminal nerve, more sensitive to stimuli, thereby possibly exacerbating TN symptoms.
  • Vascular factors: Neck tension might influence the blood vessels of the region. Since the compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel is a known cause of the condition, changes in blood flow due to neck tension could indirectly cause worse symptoms. 

Addressing Neck Tension

Trigeminal neuralgia pain relief might be achieved, at least in part, by addressing the underlying neck tension. Some methods to alleviate neck tension include:

  • Physical therapy: Specific exercises and stretches can help alleviate muscle tension and improve posture.
  • Massage therapy: This can relax tight muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce stress which might contribute to muscle tension.
  • Heat or cold therapy: Applying warm or cold compresses can relax muscles and alleviate pain.
  • Medication intake: Muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs might be prescribed to address muscle tightness and associated pain.
  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Stress is a common cause of muscle tension, so techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can be beneficial.
  • Upper Cervical Care - Atlas bone subluxation is among the most common triggers of neck tension and a contributor to trigeminal neuralgia pain relief. As a result, it’s helpful to seek this form of care to help the body heal and recover.

Atlas Bone Adjustments: Your Best Choice for Lasting Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain Relief

If you're struggling and want to achieve lasting trigeminal neuralgia pain relief, we strongly recommend seeking Upper Cervical Care. This form of chiropractic care focuses on the alignment of the upper neck vertebrae, which can have a significant impact on the central nervous system and various conditions related to it.

Don't wait to experience the transformative benefits of Upper Cervical Care. Give it a try and be pleasantly surprised by the amount of relief it can bring to your life. Book your consultation with a trusted Upper Cervical Chiropractor near you and take a step towards finding lasting trigeminal neuralgia pain relief and renewed health.

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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.

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