What is Occipital Neuralgia?
The trigeminal nerve, also known as the fifth cranial nerve, branches from the back of your head into the sides of your face. This nerve is responsible for all the sensations you feel on your face.
Occipital neuralgia is a disorder of the trigeminal nerve that is characterized by chronic pain in the neck and facial areas. The pain for many patients is debilitating and the condition is very difficult to treat. Currently, there is no cure for this condition, however upper cervical spine treatment is showing some promise in managing the condition.
Signs and Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia
Pain caused by occipital neuralgia is usually severe. It may present as a sharp, stinging, burning, or electric shock-like sensation going across the face. Some people experience pain in the back of the neck, back of the head, or scalp as well. The pain may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, itching, or light sensitivity.
Occipital neuralgia may cause nausea, and migraines, or result in cluster headaches. Some patients, distressed by the debilitating pain, suffer from anxiety or depression and may require mental health treatment.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Occipital Neuralgia
The upper cervical spine is comprised of the uppermost seven vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull and run through the neck. It protects the spinal cord at the vulnerable juncture where it connects to the brain stem. Many vital nerve clusters run through this area, which is responsible for receiving signals from the brain.
When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it results in inflammation and swelling that may compress nerves, interfering with their function. When nerve flow is disrupted or nerves misfire due to compressed or damaged nerves, the result is conditions such as occipital neuralgia.
The upper cervical spine is a vulnerable area prone to injuries that cause nerve compression and damage. An injury, impact from an accident, or even poor posture can result in misalignments that lead to a host of health issues. Treating the upper cervical spine is often the best course of treatment for alleviating the symptoms of occipital neuralgia.
How Our Occipital Neuralgia Treatment Works
At Upper Spine Knoxville, our healthcare team attempts to get to the root of the problem to help patients with occipital neuralgia. Our upper cervical spine specialist, Dr. Bejian Shamloo, helps treat patients by combining advanced technology with expert manipulations. This offers patients a drug-free, non-invasive, natural option for dealing with painful nerve conditions like occipital neuralgia.
Dr. Shamloo begins treatment with a thorough screening of the upper cervical spine using state-of-the-art technology. Advanced 3D imaging and infrared thermography are far superior to two-dimensional black-and-white X-rays, allowing for a more thorough examination of the vertebrae. With these diagnostic tools, even minute misalignments can be detected and corrections can be calculated. Dr. Shamloo is then able to make more precise adjustments that hold longer.
Once the upper cervical spine is properly aligned, the body's natural healing processes will take over to restore the patient to wellness. Inflammation and swelling decrease. No longer compressed, nerves can function better and the body's restorative abilities help repair some, if not all, of the damage. This helps prevent triggering the pain that plagues sufferers of occipital neuralgia.
Don't suffer needlessly with the pain occipital neuralgia causes. We care about restoring your health so you can live and enjoy life again. Contact Dr. Shamloo for a consultation. 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.