Trigeminal Neuralgia and Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Kamuela Chiropractors Offer Solution to Chronic Pain
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), also known as Tic Douloureux, is a chronic neurological condition affecting the branches of the fifth cranial nerve. With this disorder, patients experience recurring, sporadic episodes of severe pain in the face lasting seconds to minutes. TN has also been labeled as the “suicide disease” because of its unpredictable, burning, stabbing, shock-like intensity. The attacks may be spontaneous, or triggered by normal facial stimulus such as shaving, chewing, brushing the teeth, or combing the hair. The nature of this pain is often both mentally and physically debilitating.
The Trigeminal Nerve provides sensory input to the face. It has three branches which have distinct sensory patterns. The upper branch is called the “ophthalmic” division which supplies sensation to the forehead, scalp, and front of the head. The middle branch is called the “maxillary” branch and supplies sensation to the cheek, upper lip, side of the nose, teeth and gums. The lower branch, called the “mandibular” division, provides sensation to jaw line, lower lip, and teeth and gums. The Trigeminal Nerve is one of 12 cranial nerves that attach to the brain and brainstem.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the cause of TN in most cases is found to be unknown. There are no specific tests to confirm its diagnosis, and neurologic examination, including facial sensation is normal. Attacks usually begin after the age of 35, although it can occur at any age, including infancy. Furthermore, the condition is more common in men than women, and affects 12 per 100,000 per year.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care is a specialized field within the chiropractic profession. We utilize specific x-rays to evaluate the the top two bones which surround the brainstem. The work requires post doctoral training in precision x-ray positioning, radiographic analysis, as well as specific geometric adjusting techniques. Any misalignment of these bones may be distorting and torquing the brainstem, specifically the spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve, leading to conditions such as Trigeminal Neuralgia, TMJ dysfunction, migraines, and vertigo.
The team at Atlas Specific Spine Center has seen very profound success with patients suffering with Trigeminal Neuralgia. The doctors are experts in determining any interference to the nervous system. Using technology such as heart rate variability, infrared thermography, and digital X-ray, corrections are made to the upper cervical spine which, in time, works to return normal physiological function to the body.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed, or suspects that they have Trigeminal Neuralgia, call our office today to discuss a drug free solution.
You can learn more about Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Trigeminal Neuralgia here: