Trigeminal Neuralgia is an excruciating facial pain that can be devastating for those who experience it. The name literally means "pain of the trigeminal nerve." The trigeminal nerve is located in the face and has three branches that go to the forehead, the cheeks, and the jaw on both sides. Many people with this condition can't move their jaw without horrifying pain. 

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is also known as the "suicide disease." The symptoms can come and go over long periods of time with no apparent cause. Research in the field of chiropractic is beginning to show just how effective one type of treatment can be for people living with TN. Upper Cervical Care has provided hope and results for sufferers of TN.

If you struggle with TN you might have already been told that there is no cure for this condition. You have probably tried medications, surgery, and maybe injections. Sometimes TN goes away for a little while but always finds its way back.  

If you are suffering with TN, it is likely that the cause is in your spine. I am including a small index of case studies that involve upper cervical care and TN.

In health,

Dr. Renfrow

• Friedman, A. Resolution of Trigeminal Neuralgia following upper cervical chiropractic care using Quantum Spinal Mechanics 3 (QSM3) [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2016 Fall;2016(4):Online access only p 44-52.

"A patient formerly diagnosed with TN over the right side, experienced spontaneous, intermittent pain aggravated by activities such as chewing, talking and stress related interactions. The patient had a C1 misalignment with 10.7o angulation in relation to the head and neck."

" QSM3 protocol was used to acquire measurements by the analysis of x-ray, supine leg check, digital posture, the bow, neck and head tilt. Post x-ray revealed the atlas to be reinstated in a balanced orthogonal position. The Posture Measuring Device (PMD) revealed an even distribution of weight with a decrease in shoulder and pelvic rotation. Since the initial visit, the patient claims to have only experienced two TN facial pain attacks."

• Flory T, Chung J, Ozner J. Resolution of facial neuralgia following reduction of atlas subluxation complex: A case study [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2015 Winter;2015(1):Online access only p 6-13.

"A ten-year-old male presented with a previous diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) from a pediatric neurologist. The patient's mother took him to a chiropractor as a last resort. His history shows that he suffered for nearly 4 months with intense bouts of headaches, earaches, neck pain and extreme facial pain. He was prescribed medications by a neurologist with no overall relief. He was further diagnosed by the chiropractor with glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN)."

" The chiropractic care consisted of upper cervical care through the technique of the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). During the patient's initial phase of care, the upper cervical subluxation as well as his symptoms improved significantly. After 7 months the patient reported complete resolution of his main complaint, as well as significant reduction in the associated symptoms. Follow up appointments done 1.5 years after the initial exam show that the patient was still symptom free."

• Sweat M, McDowell B. Reduction of trigeminal neuralgia symptoms following Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic care: A case report [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2014 Spring;2014(2):Online access only p 34-41.

"The chiropractor utilized Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxations. The patient related no pain from TN by her 10th visit."

• Grochowski J. Resolution of trigeminal neuralgia following upper cervical chiropractic care: A case study [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2013 Winter;2013(1):Online access only p 20-24.

"The protocol employed by the NUCCA doctor included postural analysis, functional leg length analysis and x-ray analysis. During her nine weeks of care, the patient reported improvement in symptomatic complaints and had not experienced an attack of trigeminal neuralgia."

• Kessinger R, Matthews A. Resolution of trigeminal neuralgia in a 14 year old following upper cervical chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation: A case study [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2012 Summer;2012(3):77-84.

"14-year old female presented with excruciating, intermittent left facial pain below the eye radiating into the jaw. Patient reported previous diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia."

"Cervical radiographs, paraspinal digital infrared imaging, and pelvic balance leg length inequality were used to confirm upper cervical subluxation. A Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific adjustment was administered to the C1 region of the spine. Patient's progress was monitored through pattern analysis of the subluxations, pelvic balance, leg length inequality, and observational reports from the mother and child. The patient demonstrated a complete remission of symptoms after one adjustment. One year later, the patient remains asymptomatic."

• Sweat M, Wallace SS. Resolution of trigeminal neuralgia in a patient undergoing Atlas Orthogonal [AO] chiropractic care: A case report [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2012 Spring;2012(2):46-54.

"A 54-year-old male presented with right-sided facial pain along the distribution of the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve for the past 5 years. The patient also has a secondary complaint of lower cervical stiffness which he attributes to a skiing accident. Following digital palpation, comparative leg length analysis, and radiographic examination it was determined that the patient had an atlas subluxation with a left anterior listing."

"Two days following the initial AO adjustment to the atlas, the associated TN pain reduced significantly. After one month under AO care the patient no longer experienced any pain associated with TN."