After suffering for nearly 4 years with Trigeminal Neuralgia, version 3, I am now using a treatment that has greatly helped me. Although this treatment isn’t a cure all, I am completely off of the powerful drugs and have very little pain. I have created and published a couple of YouTube videos called “My Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain” in order to show my treatment of using an Ultrasonic Massager for pain relief.
I want to add here that after reading on this site the many types of TN and different pains suffered by those who have TN that my pain is the type that feels like an on again/off again electric shock. There was also basically a constant pain in the front of the ear near the area which is called the Trigeminal Ganglion, the area where all the nerves are branching out of. Also, I had terrific pain amongst my lower teeth and gum area ending in the center of my chin. Using the method I describe here I have pretty much alleviated all that pain.
At first, I found a website promoting a device called a PainShield developed by an Israel firm for TN pain. The PainShield (you can google PainShield to visit their website) consists of an ultrasonic transducer contained within what I will call a facial patch. This transducer is controlled by an external module to emit an ultrasonic sound wave (30 minutes on and 30 minutes off) that is meant to massage the nerves that lay deep inside the face. They claim a 70% success rate of reducing the TN pain. Like you, thinking that this just might be something I would like to try but finding the cost at nearly $600, plus $39 a patch, I felt there must be something less expensive. Looking for an alliterative Ultrasonic Massager I found one online (searching eBay and amazon websites) that emits a 1 MHz sound wave for less than $30. These type of devices are used everyday for doing what is known as ultrasound procedures on pregnant women so I felt safe in experimenting with this treatment. Using this device with a facial gel I can claim enormous relief. At first I was using an ultrasound gel but right now I am using Burt Bees Baby Multipurpose Ointment (found in the baby care section of your store) and my device once a day at 10pm before going to bed. I have no pain and I’m able to sleep soundly even lying on my injured side. Now this isn’t a cure all, I still have ‘lower gum line’ pain while eating or brushing my teeth but that’s even getting better now. If you would like to see what I use you can view my videos below. They make many models and versions of this type of massager but I looked for one that emits the 1 MHz sound wave. I don’t hear or feel a vibration while using the device. This is meant to work in just that way. My medication was $300 for a 90 day supply (with a good insurance plan) and the medication had loss it’s effectiveness and I ended up taking more and more. By the way, do not just stop cold turkey these powerful drugs, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. It took me about 10 days of tapering off to go completely drug free. Anyway, I spent less than $40 now with my treatment and I’m nearly pain free.
This is the method that has worked for me.
I found that the proper use of the Ultrasonic Massager is one where you keep the massager in a constant circular motion. Moving along the cheekbone, down to the jaw bone, up and around the jaw and pass the ear. I personally like to give the area in front of the ear an extra one or two motions of up and down since this area is called the Trigeminal Ganglion and the area which I called pain central, this was a very painful area of my face, but no longer. After which I will continue the circular motion until I complete the massage.
I would not attempt to use the EMS function of the device as this function actually sends out small electrical shocks to stimulate muscles. Who need electrical shocks when you are suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia. I ignore the EMS function and the settings on the side of the unit that deals with the EMS only. I actually threw out the electrodes that came with the unit.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, nor am I a salesman. I am a Trigeminal Neuralgia pain sufferer who is reaching out to others who may be suffering from Trigeminal or some other facial nerve pain and sharing my method of treatment. Should you try my method of treatment you do so at your own risk. If you have a treatment to share, or an experience please leave us all a note. I will try and answer any of your questions or concerns here and on YouTube.
DO NOT USE these devices near the eyeball or other soft tissue areas.
VERY IMPORTANT: Be sure to follow the instructions and safety precautions of any device you may use. Thank you.
