Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. This debilitating condition can cause severe facial pain, often triggered by everyday activities such as talking, chewing, or even brushing one's teeth. At Upper Spine Knoxville, we understand the immense impact that trigeminal neuralgia can have on your quality of life, and we're here to help. To this end, we’ve put together four tips that can help you alleviate the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia and regain control over your life.
1. Hot and Cold Therapy
Applying hot or cold packs to the affected area can help to alleviate pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia. Heat therapy may help to relax muscles and increase blood flow to the area, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Experiment with both hot and cold packs to determine which method provides the most relief for you. Remember to always use a barrier, such as a towel, between the pack and your skin to avoid damaging your skin.
2. Pain Management Techniques
In addition to chiropractic care, practicing various pain management techniques may help to reduce the severity of trigeminal neuralgia symptoms. Some options include deep breathing exercises, meditation, and over-the-counter pain medication.
3. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is the foundation for overall well-being and may help to reduce the frequency and severity of trigeminal neuralgia episodes. Some tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle include reducing stress, eating a balanced diet, prioritizing sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga
4. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Trigeminal neuralgia is linked to excessive stimulation or irritation of the trigeminal nerve, a major cranial nerve responsible for conveying facial sensations across the cheeks, forehead, and lower jaw. The branches of the trigeminal nerve converge at the brainstem, which connects the brain to the spinal cord. The upper cervical spine's close proximity to the brainstem means that a vertebral misalignment in this area of the spinal column can put pressure on the trigeminal nerve as it connects with the brainstem. This pressure can result in dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve, which, in turn, triggers the onset of trigeminal neuralgia.
By gently correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine, upper cervical chiropractors can alleviate pressure on the trigeminal nerve, reducing nerve irritation, and ultimately, relieving the debilitating pain associated with this condition.
How We Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia
At Upper Spine Knoxville, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Bejian Shamloo, specializes in providing comprehensive care for patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia. Our approach focuses on addressing the root cause of the condition. By restoring natural alignment to the upper cervical spine, Dr. Shamloo aims to alleviate nerve compression or irritation that may be contributing to trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
During your first consultation, Dr. Shamloo will perform a series of diagnostic tests to locate any misalignments in the upper cervical spine. Advanced imaging technologies, such as infrared thermography and CBCT scanning, are utilized to analyze your spinal column and pinpoint the source of nerve compression or inflammation.
Once a misalignment is identified, Dr. Shamloo will perform gentle, low-force adjustments to realign the affected vertebrae. At Upper Spine Knoxville, our priority is to create a comfortable treatment experience that promotes lasting relief and healing.
If you want an effective and natural treatment for trigeminal neuralgia, we can help. Dr. Shamloo provides upper cervical chiropractic treatment for patients in Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls, and Fountain City in Tennessee, as well as the surrounding areas.