What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is an unusual condition characterized by intense episodes of pain in the face and neck. Described by patients as feeling like an electric shock, the pain usually begins in the ear before traveling across the entire face.
Signs and Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia
As previously mentioned, the main symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is a shock-like pain in the face, jaw, and neck. These episodes can be infrequent or a daily occurrence, with each bout lasting from anywhere between a few seconds to several minutes at a time.
Other symptoms that may occur with trigeminal neuralgia include numbness or tingling in the face, tension in the cheek, jaw, eyes, gums, and insomnia.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia occurs when the trigeminal nerve (a large cranial nerve that branches across the face), is overstimulated or irritated. Given the upper cervical spine’s proximity to the brainstem and central nervous system (CNS), it is not uncommon for patients with trigeminal neuralgia to also suffer from a misalignment in the upper cervical vertebrae.
Left untreated, a vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine can compress or pinch nerve regions in the vicinity of the trigeminal nerve. This compression can impact the frequency and strength of nerve signals transmitted between the face and CNS, resulting in the shock-like pain experienced with trigeminal neuralgia.
How Our Upper Cervical Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia Works
Dr. Christina Coblish and Dr. Ryan Moeskau utilize a chiropractic technique known as the Blair Chiropractic Technique. This type of upper cervical chiropractic care relies on gentle, low-force correction techniques to reboot the body’s natural healing mechanisms and restore natural alignment to the upper cervical spine. And, by using this technique, regular function of the trigeminal nerve can resume, delivering long-lasting relief for trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
Over the course of your trigeminal neuralgia treatment, Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau will perform a range of diagnostic tests to determine the exact location of any spinal misalignments that could be triggering your symptoms. These techniques will likely include general observation and a CBCT scan. A CBCT scan provides a 3D image of the upper cervical spine, allowing for a bone-deep, 360-degree view of the spinal column; this provides Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau with a more comprehensive diagnosis and minimizes any guesswork in the treatment phase.
Following diagnosis, Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau will use a series of precise, non-invasive adjustment techniques to restore the misaligned vertebra, removing nerve compression and restoring regular nerve flow. Although you may see significant improvements after your initial consultation, it’s important that you continue to visit for regular check-up treatments so Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau can ensure the adjustment is setting correctly.
You don’t have to suffer from trigeminal neuralgia alone — come and speak with Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau about the health of your upper cervical spine. Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau provide upper cervical care services in Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Erie, Lafayette, Broomfield, and Denver in Colorado.