Trigeminal neuralgia episodes can be debilitating. The searing pain experienced can be difficult to describe to others. It is often referred to as the “invisible pain” of trigeminal neuralgia. There are two different types of trigeminal neuralgia – Typical and Atypical (1).
Table of Contents
Typical Trigeminal Neuralgia (also known as TN1)
- Extreme, sudden pain
- Burning or shock-like pain
- Attacks last a few seconds to a few minutes
- Attacks can occur with one right after the other, with a total “episode” lasting up to 2 hours
Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia (also known as TN2)
- Aching or burning pain
- Lesser level of pain than Typical Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Constant pain
Trigeminal neuralgia sufferers may have one or both types of the condition. Traditional management of trigeminal neuralgia involves a course of medication(s), injections, and/or surgery. While these relief may lessen symptoms in the short-term, they do not address the underlying cause of trigeminal neuralgia.
How is my spine related to my Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Your spine is responsible for protecting your spinal cord. Your spinal cord sends signals to and from your brain. When your atlas (top bone in your neck) misaligns, this creates pressure within your spinal cord, causing improper signals. These improper signals may lead to misfiring of the trigeminal nerve, and consequent trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
I am trained in the Blair technique, a specific chiropractic approach that realigns the atlas through a low force correction. Through this adjustment, the spinal cord has reduced tension, leading to proper messages being sent to and from the brain. This may correct misfiring of the trigeminal nerve, leading to a reduction of trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
Grochowski reported a case of a 58-year-old female that suffered from debilitating trigeminal neuralgia attacks. Over the course of nine weeks of upper cervical chiropractic care, she experienced relief of her symptoms and did not have a trigeminal neuralgia attack. (2)
If you would like to learn more information on how Blair technique may help trigeminal neuralgia, give Upper Cervical Chiropractic of San Diego a call at 858-434-5926.
References
- Ninds.nih.gov. Trigeminal Neuralgia Fact Sheet [Internet]. 2016 [cited 12 January 2016]. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/trigeminal_neuralgia/detail_trigeminal_neuralgia.htm
- Grochowski J. Resolution of Trigeminal Neuralgia Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: A Case Study. J Upper Cerv Chiro Res. 2013;2013(February):20-24.
To schedule a consultation with Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego, call 858-434-5926 or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
