Written by Sophie Hose, DC, MS, DACNB, CCSP
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), often called the “suicide disease” due to the extreme pain it causes, is a condition marked by sharp, sudden, and intense facial pain. For many sufferers, the pain is debilitating, turning even the most mundane tasks—eating, talking, or brushing teeth—into agonizing experiences. TN can severely impact one’s quality of life, leading to physical, emotional, and psychological distress.
While conventional medical treatments often involve powerful medications or invasive surgeries, chiropractic neurology presents a holistic, non-invasive approach. This approach includes spinal adjustments, brain-based therapies, and myofascial release, focusing not only on relieving symptoms but also on addressing the underlying neurological dysfunctions that contribute to TN. In this post, we’ll explore how these treatments offer a pathway to relief and discuss the profound impact trigeminal neuralgia can have on various aspects of life.
Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal Anatomy Overview
The trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain and controlling motor functions like chewing. It has three main branches:
- Ophthalmic (V1): Carries sensory input from the upper part of the face, including the forehead, scalp, and around the eyes.
- Maxillary (V2): Relays sensory information from the cheeks, upper lip, upper teeth, and nasal cavity.
- Mandibular (V3): Controls sensation in the jaw, lower teeth, and ear region, as well as motor functions like biting and chewing.
In TN, these nerve branches can become irritated or compressed, for example by small myofascial adhesions (scar tissue). This can lead to excruciating pain that feels like electric shocks in the face. Triggers for the pain include everyday actions like eating, speaking, or even feeling a light breeze. The unpredictable and severe nature of the pain can leave sufferers constantly on edge, fearing the next attack.
The Impact of Trigeminal Neuralgia on Daily Life
1.Physical Limitations
One of the most direct ways TN affects a person’s life is through physical pain. Even minor actions, such as brushing your teeth, washing your face, or talking, can trigger intense facial pain. Over time, people with TN may start to avoid these activities, leading to further health problems. For instance, someone might avoid eating or drinking because chewing or swallowing triggers pain, leading to weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration. Similarly, dental hygiene may deteriorate due to the pain of brushing teeth, resulting in oral health issues.
In more severe cases, individuals with TN can become physically isolated. The fear of triggering pain prevents them from engaging in social activities or even stepping outside their home. This physical withdrawal contributes to additional health complications like muscle atrophy and decreased cardiovascular fitness due to inactivity.
2.Emotional and Psychological Effects
Living with chronic pain has profound emotional and psychological consequences. The fear of an unpredictable pain attack creates anxiety and hypervigilance. Many sufferers develop a deep sense of dread, constantly worrying about when the next shock of pain will strike. Over time, this can lead to anxiety disorders or even panic attacks.
Depression is also common among TN sufferers. When pain becomes an everyday reality, the joy of daily life fades. Individuals may feel isolated, as few people understand the intensity of their pain. A study published in the Journal of Pain Research found that people with chronic facial pain conditions like TN are at an increased risk of experiencing depression and even suicidal thoughts. The severity of the condition has led to its nickname, “the suicide disease.”
3.Social Isolation and Relationship Struggles
Social interactions become difficult for TN patients. Conversations, laughter, or simply being around others can trigger an episode of pain, which forces sufferers to withdraw from social activities. Over time, many people with TN become socially isolated, avoiding friends and family out of fear or embarrassment.
This isolation can strain relationships with loved ones. Partners, friends, or family members may not fully understand the severity of the condition, leading to feelings of loneliness. In some cases, chronic pain can create tension in relationships, as caregivers or partners may struggle to support the affected person while also dealing with the emotional toll of watching a loved one suffer.
4.Work and Financial Impact
TN can also have a profound effect on an individual’s ability to work. In jobs that require speaking, eating, or interacting with others, TN symptoms can become a significant hindrance. Workers may take frequent sick days due to flare-ups or find that the intense, unpredictable pain makes it impossible to focus. Over time, people may be forced to reduce their hours or quit their jobs entirely, leading to financial strain.
The cost of treatment also adds to this burden. While medications and surgeries can be expensive, the cumulative effect of lost wages, medical appointments, and treatments can create a substantial financial strain on TN sufferers and their families.
Chiropractic Neurology and Myofascial Therapies for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Given the significant impact of TN, finding an effective treatment is crucial. Chiropractic neurology offers a holistic approach that addresses the neurological and musculoskeletal dysfunctions that contribute to the condition.
Brain-Based Therapies
Chiropractic neurology incorporates brain-based therapies designed to target areas of the brain involved in pain processing. For example, sensory motor integration exercises can retrain the brain to better process and interpret sensory input, reducing central sensitization—the process in which the brain becomes overly sensitive to pain signals.
By focusing on neuroplasticity, these therapies help the brain “rewire” itself, potentially reducing the intensity of pain signals received from the trigeminal nerve. Brain-based therapies are particularly useful in addressing the underlying hypersensitivity of the nervous system in TN patients.
One very exciting treatment option is mirror therapy. The patient sees the ‚good‘ half of their face in the mirror in a way that they are tricking their brain into thinking that they are looking at the symptomatic side. The practitioner then guides them through a serious of movements or sensory stimuli on their face to retrain their brain to not associate pain with these stimuli.
Cranial Nerve Rehabilitation
Cranial nerve rehabilitation focuses on improving the function of the trigeminal nerve itself. Cold laser therapy and proprioceptive training are two methods used to stimulate and heal the nerve, reducing inflammation and hyperexcitability. Cold laser therapy, for instance, has been shown to promote tissue repair and nerve regeneration, while proprioceptive training helps recalibrate the brain’s sensory processing.
Myofascial Release Therapies
In TN, muscular tension in the jaw, neck, and upper cervical region can exacerbate nerve compression and irritation. Myofascial therapy targets these tight muscles and fascia, releasing tension and improving blood flow. This not only helps alleviate pain directly but also reduces pressure on the trigeminal nerve, allowing it to function more normally. The most important impact of myofascial work is, however, to release myofascial adhesions that either directly or indirectly affect the branches of the trigeminal nerve. Initially, this kind of work might be too painful for the patient but after an initial phase using other therapies, myofascial work often shows great success.
Nutritional Support and Reducing Inflammation
Nutritional interventions are another critical component of chiropractic neurology’s approach to TN. Chronic inflammation is a major factor in many neurological conditions, including trigeminal neuralgia. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods—such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and magnesium—can help reduce the body’s overall inflammation, which may contribute to reduced pain levels.
Supplements like B-vitamins and magnesium have been shown to support nerve health and reduce neuroinflammation. Chiropractic neurologists often work with patients to develop nutritional plans that support the healing process.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a life-altering condition that can severely affect every aspect of a person’s life, from physical pain and emotional well-being to social relationships and financial stability. While traditional medical treatments often focus on symptom management, chiropractic neurology provides a holistic and non-invasive approach. By addressing brain function, and myofascial adhesions through therapies such as myofascial release and brain-based exercises, chiropractic neurologists help patients reclaim their lives from the grip of TN.
Chiropractic neurology, with its focus on nervous system health and function, offers TN patients not just relief but also the potential for long-term recovery. Through these innovative treatments, individuals suffering from trigeminal neuralgia can experience a renewed sense of hope and improved quality of life.
If you or someone you love is suffering from trigeminal neuralgia and you would like to learn how chiropractic neurology can help, contact the team at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.
References
- Kwon, M. A., & Kim, J. H. (2021). The effect of upper cervical chiropractic care on patients with trigeminal neuralgia: A case report. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 44(4), 252-258.
- Mazzoni, P., Stenner, M. D., & Carrick, F. R. (2018). Trigeminal neuralgia and brain-based therapies: A review of potential mechanisms and treatment outcomes. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 17(1), 23-29.
- Glassey, D., & Holt, K. (2020). Effects of chiropractic care on pain intensity and frequency in trigeminal neuralgia patients. Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation, 34(3), 197-203.
- Leach, R. A., & Henderson, C. N. (2019). Neuroinflammation and dietary interventions in chronic pain syndromes: A review focusing on trigeminal neuralgia. Nutritional Neuroscience, 22(6), 409-417.