Trigeminal Neuralgia: Severe Facial Pain? Find Out If Your Neck is the Cause

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is often described as one of the most excruciating nerve conditions known to medicine. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and feel like an electric shock, making everyday tasks like eating, speaking, or even a light touch on the face unbearable. This condition can disrupt daily life, causing severe distress and limiting normal activities.

For many people suffering from TN, traditional medical treatments such as pain medications or invasive procedures fail to provide long-term relief. If you have been searching for a natural, drug-free approach, Upper Cervical chiropractic care may be the solution you need.

The Upper Cervical Connection to TN

Research has shown that trauma to the head, neck, or upper spine can contribute to the development of trigeminal neuralgia. The trigeminal nerve, responsible for facial sensations, originates in the brainstem, which is located near the upper cervical spine. When the Atlas (C1) or Axis (C2) vertebrae become misaligned due to injury, poor posture, or stress, they can affect the brainstem’s ability to properly regulate nerve signals.

How Upper Cervical Misalignments Can Contribute to TN:

  • Pressure on the trigeminal nerve, leading to hyperactivity and increased pain sensitivity
  • Disrupted nerve communication between the brainstem and facial nerves
  • Restricted blood flow to nerves, worsening inflammation and irritation
  • Increased muscular tension around the jaw, neck, and shoulders, aggravating nerve pain

For many TN sufferers, pain episodes often begin after a head injury, dental procedure, or whiplash incident, even if the symptoms don’t appear immediately. If the underlying misalignment is not corrected, the nerve dysfunction may persist, leading to chronic pain cycles.

Why Traditional TN Treatments Don’t Always Work

Many conventional trigeminal neuralgia treatments focus on symptom management rather than addressing the root cause.

Common TN Treatments and Their Limitations:

  • Pain Medications – Often include anti-seizure drugs or muscle relaxants that may provide temporary relief but come with significant side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and dependency.
  • Surgical Procedures – Methods like microvascular decompression or nerve ablation aim to reduce nerve irritation, but these procedures carry risks such as facial numbness, complications, and recurrence of pain over time.
  • Injections and Nerve Blocks – These provide short-term relief but do not prevent TN episodes from returning.

While these approaches may help reduce pain, they do not correct the misalignments that may be contributing to nerve dysfunction.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care May Help TN

Upper Cervical chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment in the upper spine, which can relieve pressure on the brainstem and trigeminal nerve.

Potential Benefits of Upper Cervical Adjustments for TN:

  • Restoring normal nerve function, reducing the intensity and frequency of pain episodes
  • Improving blood flow to the brain and nerves, aiding in nerve healing
  • Reducing muscular tension in the face, jaw, and neck, which may aggravate TN pain
  • Promoting overall nervous system balance, which can enhance the body’s natural ability to manage pain

A study conducted at Life University’s Sid E. Williams Research Center found that patients with trigeminal neuralgia experienced significant pain relief after receiving Upper Cervical chiropractic adjustments. Every patient in the study reported major improvements within four weeks, with continued progress over time.

Find Out If Chiropractic Can Help You

If you are suffering from trigeminal neuralgia and traditional treatments have not provided lasting relief, an Upper Cervical evaluation may be the missing piece in your recovery.

Call (402) 933-1933 today to schedule an appointment. A simple, non-invasive spinal assessment could help determine whether a misalignment in your upper neck is contributing to your trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.

Relief may be possible without drugs or surgery. Take the first step toward restoring your quality of life.