What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic facial disorder that causes episodes of intense pain across the face and neck. Often described as a shock-like sensation, the pain typically begins near the ear and moves across the eyes, cheeks, and jaw.
Trigeminal neuralgia can be triggered by multiple factors, including facial trauma, certain foods, or even weather changes. For some people, even routine actions like using a toothbrush can trigger an episode.
Signs and Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The most common symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is the previously described shock-like sensation across the face and neck. This jabbing pain can be so severe that people suffering from the condition cannot sleep. Although most episodes only last for a few seconds, severe bouts can last for several minutes at a time.
Other symptoms include numbness and tingling in the face, insomnia, and local tension in the cheek, jaw, lips, eyes, and gums.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Trigeminal Neuralgia
The upper cervical spine is the topmost segment of the spinal column, comprising seven stacked vertebrae that support the base of the skull and protect the spinal cord.
Trigeminal neuralgia is caused by overstimulation or irritation of the trigeminal nerve, a large cranial nerve that supplies facial sensation across the cheeks, forehead, and lower jaw. The branches of the trigeminal nerve connect to the brainstem, the section of the brain linked to the spinal cord.
Because of the upper cervical spine’s proximity to the brainstem, a vertebral misalignment in this section of the spinal column can compress the trigeminal nerve as it meets the brainstem. This can lead to the misfiring of the trigeminal nerve, causing the onset of trigeminal neuralgia.
How Our Upper Cervical Treatment Works
Our treatment program for trigeminal neuralgia focuses on addressing the root cause of the issue, not just the symptoms. To do so, our clinic specializes in the use of the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique, a chiropractic method that aims to precisely target and gently correct misalignments in the upper cervical spine.
Our expert chiropractor, Dr. Gordon Elder, is a veteran practitioner of the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. Your first appointment with Dr. Elder will typically involve a brief (25 to 30 minute) examination to determine if your trigeminal neuralgia is linked to a misalignment in the upper cervical spine.
If a misalignment is detected, Dr. Elder will use a series of diagnostic tools, including advanced 3-D imaging, to target the precise location of the spinal misalignment. You’ll be able to review our findings in a brief report and approach Dr. Elder with any questions you might have.
Finally, Dr. Elder will use precise, non-invasive corrections to restore the vertebrae of your upper cervical spine to their natural position. By realigning the upper cervical spine, Dr. Elder is not only removing a painful source of pressure on your trigeminal nerve, he’s effectively rebooting your body's natural healing mechanisms.
Following the initial adjustment, patients will return for regular, gradually spaced-out check-ups to ensure their adjustment has stayed in place for 3 months. Over the course of 3-5 months, most patients average between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder.
If you’re suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, we can help! Located in Lubbock, Texas, Blair Chiropractic Clinic also services Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.