I'm a fan of chiropractors and have had a number of ailments much relieved. But, I've never been to a chiropractor to treat TN pain. It would make sense that chiropractic adjustments could relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve. I've read about acupuncture here but not the other.
Anyone used a chiropractor to treat their TN?
I have been going to a chiropractor since May. Not specifically for TN, but my chiro knows about it and tries to keep the “tension” in my shoulders,neck etc lower. If you are really interested in chiro there are some alternative forms of chiropractic that look at aligning the spine and such.
It was my chiropracter who first suggested that my jaw was out of alignment. She very gently stroked my face to release the tension and my face seemed to relax, but said that the muscles were so strong they would probably seize up again [true]. She is trained in the Mc Timony method.
My doctor was concerned to know what she had done to my jaw as I think that strong manipulations of head/neck could cause a stroke. She seemed quite happy at what was done.
I think that anything which helps to identify areas of body tension can help you to notice where your own body is out of balance and is part of taking back a little of the control which is lost to TN.
Pat-
I was did upper cervical chiro about 2 years ago and it did not end well…it set the pain off so bad that I ended up having another MVD. My body is strange though. It was a very interesting form of treatment though!
Pat Akerberg said:
On another TN forum I learned of a chiropractic method that actually stopped others’ TN pain -it’s called upper cervical chiropractic (you can google it). There are not many chiro’s across the US who are trained in the method. The idea is to align the spine and atlas (which balances the head properly on the spinal cord). The theory is that if the atlas is out of alignment, that pressure can compress the nerve. I don’t know where you live, but if you’d like I can give you the info to contact my practitioner to get you a referral. The best part is that the adjustment to your atlas is so gentle that you can hardly feel it and never involves any cracking or popping or touching your face. I had an MVD that put me in incredible neuropathic pain so I’m pursuing upper cervical to try to alleviate some of the pain resulting from a damaged nerve. I can say for certain that it is helping some - the rest in my case will be up to the will of heaven. If Ihad it to do over again I would have exhausted all alternative modalities before going straight into surgery. I wish you well. Pat
I went to upper cervical and came out with arm pain and weakness that lasted for 1 1/2 years. I'm back to my normal chiropractor who is treating my TN by adjusting my neck differently than before. Hopefully, it helps. He has recommended I come in at least twice a week. Fortunately, we are on a family plan that is very cheap $100 a month for as many visits as we (the whole family) need, so it's not about money for him. He genuinely wants to help me. I'm going twice this week and will try to continue with that. I'll let you know how it works.
I was told by my neurosurgeon to ONLY use chiropractic if they are
NUCCA certified
The closest one to me is in OK -- so if TN ever comes back - I might do that before I do another MVD...we'll see!