Thank you Jackie and Scott for pointing out that posture is a common suspect. I would like to share the threads I am pulling together on this. I have had TN for 34 years since I was at university.
When I was in my 30s I started to get back pain and a colleague recommended The Alexander technique. I never took it up as the pain went and I was a busy person.
I noticed that I got TN about twice a year and that was after staying up all night sitting on a sofa writing end of term reports for pupils.
I also noticed that I was always having to shorten the bra strap on my right shoulder and that dress straps would slip off that shoulder. I told my mother that I thought I had one shoulder lower than the other and she said, as mothers do, 'Nonsense. You're perfect.'
I've noticed (starting from my head and working down my body) that:
- My right eye is more short-sighted than the left.
- TN is in the right side of my face.
- My right elbow joint has an aching problem
- My right knee has joined in and buckles now and then
- I get kidney stones in my right kidney.
I don't have any problems on the left side of my body. So now I'm wondering whether the obvious (to me) mis-alignment of my body frame has any bearing on this.
I spent a lot of money for an osteopath to work on my back earlier this year as I got back spasms (again after sitting for days on a settee working from a laptop. Laptops are not for laps, people. Work at the table!). He told me that I should buy myself a good quality armchair and keep away from the settee (where I tend to fall asleep with my neck on the arm. Painful)
So I'm going to get myself a an armchair with wings and good lumber support with a high seat. YES, a granny's chair!
I hope this helps somebody.
Pam