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What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a rare but intensely painful condition caused by irritation or inflammation of the trigeminal nerve in the upper spine.
Conventional treatments often include anti-inflammatory medications and pain blockers, but upper cervical chiropractic can address the root cause of TN. We proudly serve the Greeley area with these specialized treatments.
Dr. Ty Carzoli is the best chiropractor in Colorado for trigeminal neuralgia. Schedule an appointment with Denver Upper Cervical Chiropractor today! We reserve Fridays for traveling patients.
Also known as tic douloureux, TN can be managed through precise chiropractic care, targeted medications, and, in severe cases, surgery. Lifestyle changes can also help prevent flare-ups and reduce TN severity.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on the top two vertebrae: the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). Aligning these vertebrae can reduce spinal cord tension, aiding in the management of chronic pain syndromes like TN.
Chiropractic care may help reduce inflammation that impacts the trigeminal nerve, leading to pain relief. This approach can alleviate face and neck pain, significantly improving the quality of life for Greeley residents.
If upper cervical chiropractic doesn’t resolve your issue, surgical options may be considered as a last resort since they sever nerves rather than treating the root cause.
Carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant, is a common first-line treatment for TN, despite its potential side effects and specific risks for individuals of Asian descent. Anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce inflammation that may irritate the trigeminal nerve but often come with side effects like indigestion, headaches, and kidney issues. NSAIDs may also lose their effectiveness over time.
Opioids can alleviate pain symptoms but don’t address the root cause of trigeminal pain. Botox injections may dull facial pain but fail to treat the underlying issue.
Certain lifestyle changes can help prevent TN flare-ups, such as avoiding facial contact. Practical changes include chewing on one side of your mouth, gently brushing your teeth, and avoiding windy days. An anti-inflammatory diet, avoiding processed and hot foods, and consuming healthy fats and leafy greens can also help. Many chiropractors provide dietary advice to support holistic health for Greeley residents.
Various surgeries can reduce TN pain by severing the nerve to stop pain signals from reaching the brain, though they don’t address the underlying cause. Microvascular decompression involves relocating or removing blood vessels that irritate the trigeminal nerve, with potential side effects including facial numbness, reduced hearing, or stroke. Rhizotomy destroys trigeminal nerve fibers to stop pain signals via glycerol injection, balloon compression, or radiofrequency ablation.
Stereotactic radiosurgery, also known as gamma knife radiation, is an outpatient procedure that uses gamma rays to damage the trigeminal nerve without cuts or anesthesia. Peripheral nerve stimulation places electrodes along peripheral nerves to regulate pain signals.
What causes trigeminal Neuralgia?
The root cause of trigeminal neuralgia is irritation or inflammation of the trigeminal nerve — the fifth cranial nerve and the largest of the twelve.
There are several factors that may cause irritation or inflammation of the trigeminal nerve:
- Spinal misalignment compressing the nerve
- Blood vessel abnormalities
- Tumor pressing into the nerve
- Severe systemic inflammation
- Surgery injury
- Facial injury
- Neck injury
- Brain lesion
- Stroke
The following activities cause trigeminal neuralgia flare-ups:
- Touching your face
- Face injury
- Eating, drinking
- Speaking
- Smiling
- Brushing your teeth, flossing
- Washing your face
- Strong wind against your cheek
Diagnosing Trigeminal Neuralgia
Your doctor will diagnose your trigeminal neuralgia with a physical examination, a medical history, and ruling out other conditions. In some cases, imaging tests like an MRI may be used.
The physical examination may include pressing against parts of your face to identify the origin of your pain.
Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history, family history, and the symptoms you’ve been experiencing.
What are the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia?
Here are the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia that your doctor may look for:
- Severe, stabbing pain on one side of the face
- Numbness, burning, or tingling around the cheek or jaw
- Sudden pain after chewing, talking, smiling, or touching your face
- Pain duration of a few seconds to several minutes
Below are the common conditions which a doctor may rule out to help diagnose trigeminal neuralgia:
- Dental conditionsDental conditions
- Occipital neuralgia
- Cluster headaches
- Thunderclap headaches
- Migraines
- Sinusitis
- Ear infection
- TMJ disorder
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Post-herpetic shingles
- Brain tumor
If you’re looking for a medical professional to diagnose your trigeminal neuralgia in Colorado without questioning your own experiences, Dr. Ty Carzoli of Denver Upper Cervical Chiropractic listens to and respects his patients.
Testimonial
Happy Stories
I strongly recommend visiting DUCC if you're suffering from stubborn neck pain. After injuring my neck in a ski accident four years ago, I tried a handful of potential "solutions" to mitigate the pain, but nothing worked. I felt pain when driving, running, and certainly skiing. Within a couple months, Dr. Ty's unique therapeutic approach allowed me to ski all day with no discomfort, and I've continued to receive treatment for over ten months now. Certainly the best investment I've ever made in my health. I hope it works for you, too!!
Dr. Ty and Zyle are AMAZING! So glad I got referred to them and I would happily refer anyone else. If you are having any back pain - vertigo symptoms - or even just want to understand more about your alignment and health, treat yourself and visit Dr. Ty!!!
Dr. Carzoli and his awesome team (Hi Zyle!) saved me not just from dire back pain, but another Dr's misdiagnosis. I arrived having needed a cane due to the first back injury of my life, and was prepared for a future of reduced athletic output and pain management. Imagine being told you can never run, or ski, or dance again - I was in a dire state. Quickly, Dr. Carzoli gave me much better assessments - including even a second opinion virtually, on the spot, and following up with the original mis-diagnosis office. His treatment was specific, with terrific exposition and explainers for each exercise and adjustment. Furthermore, his team's care helped me prepare myself for preventing another injury, and better understand the holistic health towards root issues. I've tossed the pain meds and am now active again. I cannot say thanks enough!!
I cannot emphasis enough how much of an impact seeing Ty has had on my life. I'm facing I disk replacement surgery and when I sought out Ty's help, I was desperate. My left arm had gone totally numb and I had lost most of the muscle that just carrying in grocery's would tire my arm out. I was panicking, because I have been doing everything I can to stay as healthy as possible until the inevitable day comes that I have to have the surgery. He has been able to get the numbness to subside, and I even have strength back in my arm. I just got this birthday treat from Ty. Little things like these are what separate the decent providers from that ones that actually care about their patients and their health. Highly recommended. Don't even think twice, just give him a call and set up an appointment, you'll be glad you did.
FAQs
Have a query about Trigeminal neuralgia? Please check this question and the answers.
Trigeminal neuralgia flare-ups typically last up to 2 minutes. In severe cases, episodes of trigeminal neuralgia pain may last for hours, days, weeks, or months. TN may go into remission, disappearing completely for months or years.
An inflamed trigeminal nerve may repair itself with time, but it’s wise to seek medical attention. Chiropractic care may address the underlying cause of TN pain with pain-free spine adjustments. Pharmaceuticals or even surgery may be necessary to deaden the pain in rare cases.
If left untreated, trigeminal neuralgia may get progressively worse, with attacks lasting longer and feeling more painful. Medication will likely be less effective as trigeminal neuralgia worsens.
Stress can aggravate trigeminal neuralgia although it isn’t a direct cause. Chronic stress contributes to systemic inflammation, which may impact your trigeminal nerve health. Stress has been associated with both blocking pain and worsening pain.
An anti-inflammatory diet should decrease your risk of trigeminal nerve pain. On an anti-inflammatory diet plan, eat leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, tomatoes, and fruits that are high in antioxidants.
Here are some inflammatory foods that you should avoid to prevent trigeminal pain:
- Spicy foods
- Added sugar
- Saturated fats
- Processed foods
- Caffeine (found in coffee, soda, chocolate, etc.)
The trigeminal nerve is the 5th cranial nerve. Divided into 3 primary branches, its main function is sensing pain, touch, and temperature on your face. It is the largest of the 12 cranial nerves.
Instead of deadening the pain by severing nerves, consider chiropractic care to treat the underlying cause without surgery. More and more people like you are discovering chiropractic care for trigeminal neuralgia treatment.
Book an Appointment Today!
Visit Us at Denver Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Dr. Ty Carzoli offers exceptional care for trigeminal neuralgia, focusing on treating the underlying cause without surgery. Through precise chiropractic adjustments, comprehensive patient education, and individualized treatment plans, we aim to provide lasting relief for Greeley residents.
Rather than deadening the pain by severing nerves, consider the benefits of chiropractic care. Many patients in Greeley have found effective TN treatment with our specialized approach.
Call us today to schedule your appointment! Our accommodating office hours include Fridays for out-of-town patients, ensuring you receive prompt care.
Call Now
(303)-955-8270
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