Trigeminal Neuralgia: Common Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options.
Explore Trigeminal Neuralgia With Vitality Chiropractic Australia
Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia: Causes and Symptoms
Trigeminal neuralgia, often referred to as facial nerve pain, is caused by irritation or dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve, one of the twelve cranial nerves. Common triggers include:
- Everyday activities: Brushing teeth, chewing, talking, or applying makeup.
- External stimuli: Cold air, wind, or light touch on the face.
- Nerve compression: Often due to blood vessels pressing on the trigeminal nerve or structural misalignments in the upper cervical spine.
Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include:
- Sudden, electric-shock-like pain in the cheeks, jaw, or forehead.
- Episodes of pain lasting seconds to minutes, sometimes recurring frequently.
- Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature changes on the face.
If you’re searching for natural trigeminal neuralgia relief or chiropractic for facial nerve pain, our team at Vitality Chiropractic Australia is here to help.
Anatomy of the Trigeminal Nerve
The trigeminal nerve is one of the twelve cranial nerves that originate in the brainstem and extend to the face and scalp. Unlike spinal nerves, which emerge from the spinal cord, cranial nerves directly connect the brain to specific areas of the head and neck. The trigeminal nerve has three branches:
- Ophthalmic branch: Supplies sensation to the forehead, eyes, and upper scalp.
- Maxillary branch: Affects the cheeks, upper jaw, and sides of the nose.
- Mandibular branch: Controls sensation in the lower jaw, lips, and chin.
Trigeminal neuralgia most commonly affects the maxillary and mandibular branches, causing pain in the cheeks, jaw, or lips. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine or pressure on the brainstem can contribute to trigeminal nerve irritation, making chiropractic care a promising option for many sufferers.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Trigeminal Neuralgia
Our Approach: Atlas Orthogonal Technique – We specialize in the Atlas Orthogonal technique, a gentle and precise chiropractic method that corrects misalignments in the upper cervical spine without forceful adjustments. This technique is ideal for trigeminal neuralgia sufferers because it:
- Reduces nerve irritation: By realigning the atlas (C1 vertebra), we alleviate pressure on the brainstem and trigeminal nerve.
- Improves nervous system function: Proper alignment enhances communication between the brain and body, potentially reducing pain frequency and intensity.
- Enhances daily function: Patients often report less pain, reduced sensitivity, and an improved ability to perform everyday tasks like eating, talking, or smiling.
Our patients seeking chiropractic for trigeminal neuralgia in Melbourne have experienced benefits such as:
- Decreased intensity of facial pain episodes.
- Reduced frequency of pain triggers.
- Improved quality of life and ability to enjoy daily activities.
If you’re looking for a natural treatment for trigeminal neuralgia or non-invasive facial pain relief, our chiropractic care may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Traditional Treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Other conventional treatments for trigeminal neuralgia include:
Medications
- Anti-convulsants: Commonly prescribed drugs like Tegretol, Carbatrol, or Gabapentin aim to reduce nerve firing. Side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, or confusion.
- Anti-spasmodics: Medications such as Gablofen or Lioresal help relax muscles but may cause similar side effects.
Surgical Options
Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief
Chiropractor Trigeminal Neuralgia Research
- Spinal manipulation and cranial mobilisation may positively influence causes of trigeminal neuralgia and therfore offers a conservative, low cost approach option. Pederick, F. (2005). Cranial and other Chiropractic adjustments in the conservative treatment of chronic trigeminal neuralgia. A case report. Chiropractic Journal of Australia, 35(1); 9 – 15
- In cases where Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms are exacerbated by cervical spine or TMJ syndrome then particular forms of manual therapy may be worth consideration. Rodine, R., & Aker, P. (2010). Trigeminal neuralgia and Chiropractic care: A case report. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 54(3); 177 – 186