Chiropractic Care for Trigeminal Neuralgia
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Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia, also called tic douloureux, Fothergill’s disease, or trifacial neuralgia, is a chronic pain disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, cranial nerve 5. This nerve comes off the brainstem and has 2 functions: motor and sensory to the forehead, cheeks and jaw. 80-90% of cases have compression of the cranial nerve by the vascular structures surrounding it.
What Trigeminal Neuralgia Can Feel Like
- Stabbing, lightning-like sensations into the jaw, forehead and cheeks
- Some people report a feeling like there’s bugs crawling on their face (formication)
- Only occurs on one side of the face typically during the day
- Symptoms come on suddenly and in cycles
- Watery eyes and runny nose
Common Triggers
- Light stimulation, such as lightly touching the face with hands or fabric
- Brushing teeth
- Chewing
- Shaving
- Exposure to cold air
Impact on Daily Life
Trigeminal neuralgia is not life threatening, but is chronic and can lead to mental health issues. Debilitating electric-like shocks in the face whenever there is any stimulation to your face makes it difficult for the person to do any activities.
Why Trigeminal Neuralgia Symptoms Can Continue
The trigeminal nerve is in a heightened state, meaning it’s easily excitable. If there’s more stimulation to the face, by moving or talking or having anything touch it, the nerve will fire and send the electric-like shock.
How Chiropractic Care May Help
What That Looks Like
Individualized care plans
Your care is built around your symptoms, history, and how your neck and nervous system are functioning — not a standard protocol
Gentle, targeted techniques
Chiropractic care is not just one method. We use a variety of techniques and choose what’s appropriate for your comfort, mobility, and condition
Rehabilitation at the right time
When your body is ready, we may introduce exercises to support posture, stability, and long-term neck function
Imaging when clinically indicated
If needed, we can order X-rays or MRIs to better understand structural or disc-related issues
Advanced testing when appropriate
In certain cases, tests like EMGs or nerve conduction studies (NCVs) can help evaluate nerve involvement
Ongoing monitoring
We track how your symptoms and function change over time — not just day-to-day pain levels
Care that adapts with you
As your neck improves or your needs change, your care plan is adjusted accordingly
Collaboration with other providers
When helpful, we coordinate with medical doctors, physical therapists, and other providers involved in your care
This approach focuses on improving how your neck functions over time — not just temporarily reducing symptoms.
Who This Care May Be Right For
This approach may be a good fit if you are:
Having Trigeminal Neuralgia symptoms and want more holistic support alongside your other practitioners.
Having Trigeminal Neuralgia symptoms and want more holistic support alongside your other practitioners.
If you’re looking for thoughtful, individualized care focused on improving function and quality of life, this may be the right next step.
Having Trigeminal Neuralgia symptoms and want more holistic support alongside your other practitioners.
If you’re looking for thoughtful, individualized care focused on improving function and quality of life, this may be the right next step.
What to Expect at Apex
Your care starts with understanding how your neck, spine, and nervous system are functioning together — not just where it hurts.
Comprehensive evaluation
We review your history, symptoms, and how neck pain is affecting your daily life
Neurologic and functional assessment
Evaluating movement, nerve function, and how your body is responding overall
Personalized care plan
Built specifically for your condition, goals, and tolerance
Gentle, targeted treatment
Techniques are selected based on what your neck can handle comfortably
Ongoing monitoring and adjustments
Care evolves over time as your symptoms and function change
This process is designed to support steady improvement in neck function and reduce recurring symptoms over time.
Related Conditions We Also Help With
Headaches
Concussions
Neck Pain
Balance Difficulties
Dizziness
Vertigo
Postural Issues
Tech Neck/Text Neck
