What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia? An In-depth Look

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, one of the most widespread nerves in the head. The nerve is responsible for transmitting sensations from the face to the brain. Despite its prevalence, the exact causes of TN remain a topic of ongoing research. This article delves deep into the potential causes, mechanisms, and factors associated with this debilitating condition.

1. Anatomy of the Trigeminal Nerve

The trigeminal nerve comprises three branches:

1. Ophthalmic Branch (V1): Transmits sensations from the scalp, forehead, and eyes.

2. Maxillary Branch (V2): Relays sensations from the lower eyelid, cheeks, nostrils, upper lip, and gums.

3. Mandibular Branch (V3): Carries sensations from the lower lip, lower gums, chin, and jaw.

Disturbances or damage to any of these branches can lead to symptoms of TN.

2. Primary Causes

The primary cause of TN is often related to abnormalities associated with the myelin sheath, which covers and protects nerve fibers.

1. Blood Vessels: The most common cause of TN is a blood vessel (usually an artery) pressing against the trigeminal nerve near the brainstem. This pressure can wear away the protective coating around the nerve (myelin sheath), leading to erratic and excessive nerve signaling.

2. Aging: As with many neurodegenerative conditions, aging can lead to the wear and tear of the myelin sheath or the nerve itself, causing symptoms of TN.

3. Secondary Causes

Secondary TN results from another underlying condition causing damage to the nerve.

1. Tumors: Sometimes, a tumor might compress the trigeminal nerve, leading to TN.

2. Multiple Sclerosis: This autoimmune disorder damages the myelin sheath, affecting the trigeminal nerve.

3. Aneurysms, AVMs, or Cysts: Any of these can exert pressure on the nerve.

4. Facial Trauma: Injuries or surgical procedures can sometimes damage the nerve, causing TN.

4. Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing TN:

1. Age: People over 50 are more commonly affected, though it can occur at any age.

2. Gender: Women are more likely to develop TN than men.

3. Multiple Sclerosis: People with MS have a higher risk of TN due to myelin degradation.

4. Family History: There's some evidence to suggest that TN can run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.

5. The Mechanism of Pain

Understanding the mechanism of pain in TN requires a basic knowledge of nerve signaling. Normally, the nerve transmits signals efficiently. However, when there's pressure or damage to the nerve, it can misfire, sending inappropriate pain signals in response to everyday stimuli like brushing teeth or a breeze on the face. In TN, these misfired signals are experienced as sharp, stabbing, or electric shock-like pains.

Trigeminal neuralgia, though intensely painful, is a result of complex neural mechanisms, often stemming from damage or pressure on the trigeminal nerve. While the exact cause may vary from person to person, understanding the potential triggers can aid in effective diagnosis and treatment. Anyone experiencing facial pain should consult with a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

How Dr. Gordon Elder Treats Trigeminal Neuralgia

At Blair Chiropractic Clinic, we prioritize addressing the fundamental cause of trigeminal neuralgia, rather than merely alleviating the symptoms. We champion the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique—a specialized approach targeting and gently rectifying upper cervical spine misalignments.

Dr. Gordon Elder, our esteemed chiropractor, is a seasoned professional in the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. When you first meet Dr. Elder, he conducts a concise 25-30 minute evaluation to discern if your trigeminal neuralgia stems from an upper cervical misalignment.

Should a misalignment be identified, Dr. Elder employs a suite of diagnostic instruments, inclusive of state-of-the-art 3-D imaging, pinpointing the exact site of the spinal discrepancy. A succinct report detailing our observations will be presented to you, and Dr. Elder is available to address any inquiries you might possess.

Subsequently, Dr. Elder will employ meticulous, non-invasive techniques to reposition the vertebrae in your upper cervical spine. By realigning this area, not only does Dr. Elder alleviate the excruciating pressure on the trigeminal nerve but also rejuvenates your body's innate healing capacities.

Post the primary alignment, clients are encouraged to revisit for routine check-ups, spaced further apart over time, to confirm the adjustment's persistence over a span of 3 months. Typically, within a span of 3-5 months, clients will have between 10 and 15 sessions with Dr. Elder.

If trigeminal neuralgia is a challenge you face, let us be your solution. Blair Chiropractic Clinic, situated in Lubbock, Texas, proudly serves not only Lubbock but also Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and extends its services to 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.

4 Tips for Coping with Trigeminal Neuralgia

The trigeminal nerve is the largest nerve in the head and face. It branches out from the brain and goes into the face, wrapping around the head. When there is damage to the trigeminal nerve, it can cause a debilitating condition known as trigeminal neuralgia.

Trigeminal neuralgia causes excruciating, shocking pains in parts of the face such as behind the eyes, in the gums, or the jaw. Pain can be triggered by normal activities, such as eating, drinking, brushing the teeth, or even when a breeze blows on the face.  

Living with trigeminal neuralgia can be stressful. There are some things you can do to help you cope with your condition. 

Learn Your Triggers

Various things can set off trigeminal neuralgia attacks. For some people, it may be eating spicy foods. For others, it may be cold liquids. If you pay attention, you will notice patterns and learn what activities trigger the pain. This can help you to avoid them.  

Keep Yourself Healthy

Trigeminal neuralgia is manageable and is not life-threatening, so don't let anxiety over your condition take over your life. When you are feeling good, you should take care of yourself. This will keep your spirits up and help you make the most of your good days. Eat a healthy diet, get proper rest, and enjoy whatever physical fitness activities work best for you.

Don't Ignore Your Mental Health

Trigeminal neuralgia attacks may be brief, but they are severe and can strike at any time. Just living with the knowledge that you may experience debilitating pain at any moment can keep you on edge. People with this condition often suffer from anxiety, stress, and depression. It is important to have a good support system or to take up relaxing activities like yoga, mindfulness, walking, or gardening. You should also seek out mental health experts to help you maintain your mental health. 

Look for Alternative Treatments

Doctors may prescribe medications to help you with your trigeminal neuralgia, and many other patients have found relief in safe, non-invasive alternative treatments. One treatment for trigeminal neuralgia that has shown promise is upper cervical care. 

Research shows that often the root of the problem is in the upper cervical spine. When the vertebrae in the neck are misaligned, they may cause nerves to become pinched or compressed. Many people have found that upper cervical chiropractic care helps lessen the severity and frequency of trigeminal neuralgia attacks. 

We Can Help

At the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Gordon Elder is an upper cervical specialist who is trained in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. This technique offers trigeminal neuralgia sufferers a safe, gentle, drug-free, non-invasive option for treatment. 

Unlike traditional chiropractic methods, you needn't worry about any jarring snaps or twists that might trigger your pain. The Blair technique begins with advanced 3D diagnostic imaging to help the doctor pinpoint problems. He is then able to apply gentle pressure with more precision to make corrections with a light touch. You will barely feel it. 

Step one of Dr. Elder's treatment plan begins with a health screening and state-of-the-art imaging scans. This way, the doctor can get a better picture of your unique anatomy, accurately calculate the angles of your spine, and find any misalignments. 

Step two kicks off the healing process.  Dr. Elder uses low-pressure manipulations to restore the spine's proper alignment, alleviating any swelling, inflammation, and nerve compression. Once properly aligned, the body's natural healing processes can begin working to repair damage and improve the function of the nerves. 

The third and final step involves ongoing preventative care. Regular check-ups will help ensure your spine remains properly aligned so that your nerves can function optimally. 

Don't let trigeminal neuralgia rob you of one more minute of your life. Call Dr. Elder to see if upper cervical chiropractic care can help you. The doctor's areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as 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.