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ChineseTrigeminal neuralgia (TN) is one of the most painful conditions and one which does not have a cure. It is caused by the overstimulation or pinching of the trigeminal nerve. This nerve starts in the brainstem, passes through the neck, and then ramifies into endings that cover the entire face: the forehead and eyes, the nose, and the upper and lower jaw. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of finding relief from trigeminal neuralgia with chiropractic.
What Are The Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia?
In most of cases, TN is caused by a blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve and causing irritation. In some instances, the myelin (the protective sheath around the nerve) is damaged, causing it to be overstimulated. However, chiropractors frequently discover other causes that exacerbate trigeminal neuralgia, making its symptoms almost unbearable to patients:
- Misalignments in the jaw
- Cervical spine subluxation
- Misalignment of the skull bones
- Trauma, especially whiplash caused by a car accident.
Why Traditional Pain Management Is Not Effective on the Long Term
At the onset of the condition, patients can manage pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia by applying hot or cold packs. However, as TN progresses, these remedies are no longer enough, and patients resort to pain medication. Some of them get prescription pills, and in most cases opioids. Others rely on over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). In the long term, both types of medication will require increasingly larger doses to offer pain relief. Also, they can generate various unpleasant side effects. Moreover, some patients are allergic to these drugs.
Benefits of Managing Trigeminal Neuralgia with Chiropractic
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, there is no final and complete cure for TN. A chiropractor will not be able to heal you completely, but this type of therapy can make a huge difference in your quality of life. Managing trigeminal neuralgia with a chiropractor has the following benefits for your well-being:
1. Chiropractic Can Significantly Reduce the Symptoms of TN
Specific chiropractic manipulations and adjustments will resolve misalignments and restore nerve function, thus reducing the overstimulation of the trigeminal nerve. Patients who treat trigeminal neuralgia with a chiropractor experience reduced levels of pain and less frequent episodes of acute pain. This can effectively improve a patient’s ability to enjoy life. Acute and chronic pain drain people of energy, making them less capable of focusing on work and enjoying quality time with their family and friends.
2. Chiropractic Is a Safe Long Term Therapy
Unlike drugs, chiropractic care does not give side effects and can be effectively used by patients for the long-term management of TN. Chiropractors use manipulations, which are not invasive or painful. This type of therapy does not use drugs or injections. There are very few contraindications to choosing a chiropractor. In fact, this type of treatment is safe for the most vulnerable patient groups – pregnant women and the elderly.
3. Your Chiropractor Will Educate You on Managing TN
Managing trigeminal neuralgia with chiropractic will help you understand how to adapt your lifestyle to reduce the frequency of episodes of pain. Chiropractors teach patients that every aspect of their life can have an impact on the condition they suffer from and make it worse. Alcohol consumption, a poor diet, lack of exercise, and poor posture while sitting down can make TN worse over the years. Following your chiropractor’s indications will help you enjoy an improved quality of life.
4. Chiropractic Will Resolve Other Symptoms Caused by Poor Nervous Function
Chiropractic care is focused on improving nerve function throughout the entire body. Thus, many patients who choose to manage trigeminal neuralgia with chiropractic discover that various other negative symptoms they experience decrease and then disappear. These symptoms range from numbness and tingling in arms and legs to various digestive complaints. You can manage trigeminal neuralgia with chiropractic in an effective, safe, and non-invasive manner.
