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Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia: Find Lasting Relief
Research suggests that trigeminal neuralgia (TN) may be caused by irritation or damage to the trigeminal nerve and the central trigeminal system in the upper spinal cord and brain stem.
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Medical reports indicate that trauma to the head, neck, and upper back can injure the nerve pathways in the spinal cord and brain stem, potentially leading to TN. This facial pain may occur immediately after the injury or develop gradually over time.
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A recent pilot study conducted at Life University’s Sid E. Williams Research Center demonstrated promising results for TN patients receiving Upper Cervical care.
Participants underwent eight weeks of treatment, with every TN patient experiencing significant pain relief within the first four weeks and continued improvement thereafter.
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Dr. Roger Hinson, the research director, suggests that TN may develop when an upper cervical misalignment contributes to the hyperactive state of the nerve, leading to the severe facial pain associated with TN. This research highlights the potential benefits of upper cervical chiropractic care in managing TN symptoms and improving patient outcomes.
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also known as tic douloureux, is a chronic pain condition characterized by sudden, severe, and intense facial pain. The trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain, becomes irritated or damaged, leading to episodes of excruciating pain.
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Key features of trigeminal neuralgia include:
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Sudden Attacks: The pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia typically comes on suddenly, often described as stabbing, shooting, or electric shock-like sensations. These attacks can last for seconds to minutes and may occur spontaneously or be triggered by certain activities such as eating, talking, or touching the face.
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Location: The pain of trigeminal neuralgia is usually unilateral (affecting one side of the face) and is commonly felt in the lower part of the face, including the jaw, cheek, lips, and gums. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the forehead or eye area.
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Episodic Nature: Trigeminal neuralgia tends to occur in recurrent episodes, with periods of intense pain followed by periods of remission. However, the frequency and severity of attacks can vary widely among individuals.
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Trigger Factors: Certain triggers can provoke or exacerbate episodes of trigeminal neuralgia, including gentle touch or pressure on specific areas of the face, cold temperatures, chewing, speaking, or even brushing teeth.
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Impact on Quality of Life: The intense pain of trigeminal neuralgia can significantly impact quality of life, leading to difficulty eating, speaking, and performing daily activities. Many individuals with TN experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to the unpredictable and debilitating nature of the condition.
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While the exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is not always clear, it is believed to result from compression or irritation of the trigeminal nerve, often due to blood vessels or structural abnormalities in the brain.
KCSC Procedure & Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) patients frequently report a history of head and neck injuries. These injuries can lead to misalignments in the upper spine, potentially interfering with the function of the trigeminal nerve.
The KCSC Procedure focuses on correcting these misalignments, aiming to restore normal function to the trigeminal nerve.
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By addressing the underlying spinal misalignments, patients often experience lasting relief from TN symptoms and may reduce their reliance on medications for pain management.
This approach offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional treatments, potentially improving overall quality of life for individuals living with trigeminal neuralgia.
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