Living with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) can be a constant battle. It's not just the sudden, severe facial pain; it’s the fear of when the next attack will strike. Everyday activities like eating, talking, or even smiling can trigger excruciating pain, making it hard to live a normal life. It's frustrating and exhausting, affecting every aspect of your life.
TN isn't just about the facial pain. It can include a range of symptoms like burning, aching, or electric shock-like sensations on one side of the face. These symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency, making it difficult to predict and manage. The fear of triggering an attack can lead to anxiety and stress, further exacerbating the condition.
The emotional toll of living with TN is significant. The constant pain and fear of an attack can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration, affecting your relationships and mental well-being. You might avoid social situations or activities you once enjoyed because they exacerbate your symptoms. But there are ways to manage TN and improve your quality of life.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. If you have TN, even mild stimulation of your face — such as brushing your teeth or applying makeup — can trigger a jolt of excruciating pain. TN is often described as one of the most painful conditions, with pain that can feel like electric shocks, burning, or stabbing.
Common triggers of TN include:
Living with TN means constantly dealing with these symptoms. You might use medications, avoid triggers, and adopt a careful lifestyle to try and manage the pain. It’s a continuous effort to maintain as much normalcy and comfort as possible.
Managing TN often involves a combination of medications, surgical procedures, and lifestyle changes. Medications can include anticonvulsants or muscle relaxants, which can help manage the pain but often come with side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion. These treatments may not provide consistent relief and can lead to dependency.
Surgical procedures, such as microvascular decompression or gamma knife radiosurgery, aim to reduce pressure on the trigeminal nerve. While these treatments can be effective, they carry risks and require recovery time. They also may not be suitable for everyone and can have varying degrees of success.
Lifestyle changes are also crucial in managing TN. This might include avoiding known triggers, practicing stress management techniques, and maintaining a healthy diet. While these adjustments can be beneficial, they require discipline and perseverance. Many people with TN also explore alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or herbal supplements, but these approaches vary in effectiveness and may not provide consistent relief.
Upper cervical chiropractic (UCC) is a specialized form of chiropractic care that focuses on the alignment of the upper spine, particularly where the head connects to the neck. This area, known as the upper cervical spine, is crucial because it houses the brainstem and a network of nerves, including the trigeminal nerve.
The principle behind UCC is that misalignments in the upper cervical spine can interfere with the nervous system’s function, potentially exacerbating TN symptoms. By correcting these misalignments through gentle, precise adjustments, UCC aims to restore proper nerve function and improve overall health.
UCC practitioners use specific diagnostic tools and techniques to assess and correct misalignments. Unlike traditional chiropractic adjustments, which can involve forceful manipulations, UCC adjustments are subtle and focused, targeting the upper cervical spine to promote natural healing. This approach can reduce nerve irritation and improve communication between the brain and body, potentially alleviating TN symptoms.
Monday & Thursday:
10am - 1pm | 3pm - 6pm
Tuesday & Wednesday:
8:30am - 11:30am | 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday:
CLOSED
