Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Right Pain In The Neck (and Face!)

For sufferers of Trigeminal Neuralgia you will know all too well just how much pain and discomfort can be brought through having Neuralgia. This kind of pain is extremely intense and travels through the nerves in the head or face, leaving you with a right pain in the neck! Neuralgia is often described as shooting pains or sharp pin pricks that can last anywhere from a few minor seconds up to a few minutes. Although it may sound bearable if it is only a short duration, withstanding this pain during the sudden attacks can often leave you feeling damaged, worn out and down.

The attacks of the shooting pain or pin pricks has also had some patients falling to their needs or having to sit whilst this pain occurs. It goes without saying that any kind of pain is unpleasant, but with Trigeminal Neuralgia targeting mainly the face and neck receiving treatment to help prevent or reduce the level of pain is highly effective and beneficial. Croxley Osteopathic Clinic are here to indicate the symptoms, causes and treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia, with the hope that our advice can not only prevent but deter any ongoing pains for you.

Having already mentioned that Trigeminal Neuralgia is mainly targeted to the face, you should also be aware of the area’s subjected to this pain. Although Trigeminal Neuralgia usually only affects one side of the face, it can leave the affected side feeling worse off. Some of the areas that can be affected by Trigeminal Neuralgia are the:

• One side of the face, or rare occasions both sides but not at the same time
• Neck
• Teeth
• Lower jaw
• Upper jaw
• Cheek
• Forehead
• Eye

With Trigeminal Neuralgia being reported as being described as a constant pain even without attacks, as you can experience throbbing, aching or even a burning sensation between each attack. It is almost more than beneficial for not only your health but quality of life to endure in treatment to help keep your Trigeminal Neuralgia to a minimum if not completely removing all pain. Whether you suffer with Trigeminal Neuralgia on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis, it is not good for anyone to have to experience this level of pain without effective treatment.

Our experienced and qualified osteopaths are here to help you with the aim to prevent, deter and remove any pains caused by Trigeminal Neuralgia. If you are looking for a pain preventive for your Trigeminal Neuralgia in Rickmansworth or surrounding areas in Hertfordshire, be sure to give Croxley Osteopathic Clinic a call.

The triggers or causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia can be very specific and even hard to avoid. With certain actions or movements easily triggering the pain it can be extremely difficult to complete daily duties without the worry of Trigeminal Neuralgia. Some of the triggers and causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia can include:

• Talking
• Smiling
• Chewing
• Brushing your teeth
• Washing your face
• Light touches to the face
• Shaving or applying make-up
• Swallowing
• Kissing
• Cool breezes or air conditioning
• Head movements
• Vibrations e.g. walking or car journeys

Although this list does sound very hard to avoid doing these actions or movements, not all of these causes can trigger the Trigeminal Neuralgia. For example, certain sufferers may find that a cool breeze can cause their pain whereas another may notice that a light touch to the face brings on Trigeminal Neuralgia. These are just some of the ways that your Trigeminal Neuralgia can be triggers, but depending on your severity of the pain not all of these will apply to you. We do appreciate that Trigeminal Neuralgia is a pain in the neck and face, but there are various ways to help avoid, prevent and deter your pain from being triggered or returning.

Treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia

If you are a sufferer of Trigeminal Neuralgia, the likelihood is that you will need to visit your doctor to discuss the treatment options and come up with an effective cause of action specific to you. An appointment with your doctor will help you to focus on the underlying cause of your Trigeminal Neuralgia, if this is not found then they will focus on relieving your pain. Whether you receive treatment or medication for your pain, Croxley Osteopathic Clinic are firm believers that our osteopathic treatment will help your massively. Some of the various treatments and medications you could receive through having Trigeminal Neuralgia can include:

• Surgery to relieve the pressure you feel on the certain nerve/area
• Better control of blood sugar for those who also suffer with diabetes
• Physical therapy
• Nerve blocks
• Pain relief
• Antidepressants
• Anti-seizure
• Narcotic pain medications for short term use (codeine)
• Topical creams with capsaicin
• Osteopathy

Although it may sound impossible, for those who suffer with Trigeminal Neuralgia one of the most important things to do is to try and live a normal life. Even if you feel like you may want to avoid certain activities to remove further risk of triggering the pain, it is important to not allow the Trigeminal Neuralgia to rule you. With effective treatment and understanding of Neuralgia, Croxley Osteopathic Clinic have no doubt that you will be able to maintain your quality of life. Whether you are a short term, long term or newly experienced in Trigeminal Neuralgia and the pain it causes, Croxley Osteopathic Clinic are here for you regardless of the severity. Please do not be hesitant to get in touch with us today to discuss your options and come up with an effective and beneficial cause of treatment for your Trigeminal Neuralgia. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you.