(+65) 8438 9550
help@vitalitychiropracticcentres.com
Trigeminal Neuralgia SPECIALIST
Vitality Chiropractic offers Chiropractic care for Trigeminal Neuralgia. The meaning of trigeminal neuralgia is pain in the face, arising from the trigeminal nerve.
Seek advice on the appropriate therapy and relief options, involving an initial assessment, diagnostic testing, and the use of various Chiropractic techniques, such as spinal adjustments and rehabilitation exercises, to address the root cause of the condition as well as the associated symptoms.
Contents
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal Neuralgia meaning is the feeling of pain or other sensations across the face, due to irritation of the trigeminal nerve (the 5th cranial nerve). It is widely thought of as one of the most painful known conditions, commonly nicknamed “the suicide disease”.
Trigeminal Neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, can come in sudden attacks. Sufferers may experience stabbing or electric pains across their face in bursts of episodes spread apart.
The symptoms are extreme and effective medical options are limited. But Chiropractic has been shown as an approach to Trigeminal Neuralgia treatment, which has been proven to improve symptoms for the long term, without medication or surgery.
What are the Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia nerve?
Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms can be debilitating, classically characterised by pain across the face having a significant impact on normal life for the patient. Properly recognising the symptoms is crucial for diagnosis and effective management. Common symptoms include:
- Pain across the skin of the face
- Pain into the cheek, jaw, teeth, eyes, nose, ears, gums, lips, forehead
- Tensing or spasm of the facial muscles
- Stiffness of the neck
- Associated dizziness or headaches
- Episodes of intense pain followed by months of no or minimal symptoms
- Can last a few seconds to minutes
- Attack episodes becoming more common and closer together over time
- A sensation of stabbing, electricity, throbbing
- May disturb sleep or make it difficult to find a comfortable way to sleep without aggravating pain
These symptoms may vary in severity and duration depending on the underlying cause of trigeminal neuralgia and commonly comes in episodes of pain on and off.
COMMON Causes OF Trigeminal neuralgia
Here are some common trigeminal neuralgia causes:
An accident or injury, such as a whiplash, head or neck trauma, can cause direct damage to the trigeminal nerve or its roots in the cranial nerves. Trauma is commonly seen in cases of trigeminal neuralgia nerve pain. It is normal that the trauma may have been many years before, but not start causing trigeminal neuralgia pain immediately.
Common past traumas include car accidents, falls or sports injuries. This may be further aggravated by physical pressure of modern life, such as poor posture, sleeping habits, and use of phones and screens.
Misalignments in the upper neck, called the upper cervical spine, will interfere with normal nerve functions, particularly for the nerves which influence the cranial nerves (the trigeminal nerve is the 5th cranial nerve).These misalignments can affect the normal route of the blood vessels. If so the blood vessels may compress the nerve, therefore correcting the misalignment may be required.
If there are misalignments, also termed Subluxations, in the upper cervical spine (C1 or C2), this can result in increased pressure on the nerves, disrupting the messages they send to the face. This helps to explain some of the other symptoms experienced by trigeminal neuralgia sufferers, including neck tightness, dizziness, problems swallowing or arm symptoms. The nerves from this area also influence digestion and the vagus nerve.
These Subluxations can be caused by physical traumas, including accidents, falls, sports injuries, poor postures, sleeping habits. Symptoms may not be immediate and only start years after trauma.
Compression of the trigeminal nerve can be at different places along its path. This may be due to Upper Cervical misalignment (as explained above), but can also be due to:
- Tumours or growths
- Blood vessels compressing the trigeminal nerve
- Excessive inflammation
- Soft tissue abnormalities
These are usually the first thing to be excluded by a medical doctor, such as a neurologist.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system. MS is a condition where thre is demyelination of the nerves throughout the body. The myelin acts as an insulator, helping nerves the function properly and send information at a faster rate. With less myelin the nerves don’t function optimally.
This results in widespread symptoms including changes in vision, eye pain, difficulty walking, weakness, and abnormal bodily sensations, such as pain, tingling or numbness. Facial pain has also been observed in MS sufferers.
The cause of MS can be due to autoimmune issues, viruses, environmental/lifestyle factors or genetic.
Rarer causes of trigeminal neuralgia can include:
- Stroke
- Brain lesion
- Surgical injuries
These are usually the first thing to be excluded by a medical doctor, such as a neurologist.
COMMON Triggers OF Trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia can be caused by various factors, as detailed above. Trigeminal neuralgia triggers can include:
- Touching your face, putting on makeup, washing your face or shaving
- Brushing your teeth
- Eating or drinking
- Changes in weather, such as wind or a breeze on the face
- Smiling or talking
- Sleeping position
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Mental or emotional stress
While the above will not cause trigeminal neuralgia, they can trigger or exacerbate the symptoms
Trigeminal neuralgia treatment
MEDICATION
Medical doctors will usually run tests to exclude red flag causes (such as a stroke or brain lesion), then will prescribe medication. Medications are usually to block the pain messages sent to the brain. These medication can include anticonvulsants, antispasmodics, tricyclic antidepressants, or common pain killers and anti inflammatory medicines.
Side effects may be experienced, including dizziness, nausea, and confusion.
This may be helpful in the short term, but does not address the cause of the trigeminal neuralgia nerve pain and will commonly recur. It is common that eventually the medication becomes less effective and doctors may suggest injections or surgery.
INJECTIONS
Botox injections are next after medication. These injections are directly into the trigeminal ganglion, aimin to inactive proteins to reduce the release of neurotransmitters for the nerves. Essentially, the injection aims to stop messages passing along the nerves so the patient can not feel the symptoms.
While this can offer relief, this still does not address the cause of the trigeminal neuralgia pain and subsequent injections may be needed in the future. Side effects include facial weakness, difficulty eating, and headaches.
SURGERY
Surgery for trigeminal neuralgia will depend on the cause. If there is a defined growth, such as a tumour or brain lesion, this will be the focus of the surgery. However, if the cause is less certain, the following surgeries may be considered:
- Radiofrequency ablation – heat energy is used to destroy parts of the trigeminal nerve to reduce pain.
- Percutaneous glycerin rhizotomy – a needle is inserted into the cheek to make a small opening at the base of the skull where the trigeminal nerve is located. The surgeon will aim to disrupt the pain signals by: inflating a balloon to injure the nerve, or adding alcohol to injure it.
- Microvascular decompression – a cut is made behind the ear, making an opening in the skull, on the side of the head where there is pain. Blood vessels are then moved, which are believed to be compressing the trigeminal nerve.
Success rates are reported to be 65% in the first year for some types of surgery.
UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTIC
Upper Cervical Chiropractic is a non-invasive form of care, shown to help trigeminal neuralgia, without medication, injections or surgery.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic focuses on the cause of the trigeminal neuralgia, not just the symptoms. Upper Cervical Chiropractors undergo further training to specialise in misalignments in the top of the neck, which can influence the upper spinal cord and cranial nerves, including the trigeminal nerves.
Upper Cervical Chiropractors conduct a thorough history, physical examination, and nerve scans to determine if there is the presence of spinal misalignments (Subluxation), which may be the cause of your trigeminal neuralgia. Specific x-rays will be sent for to ensure safety and specificity with all techniques performed. They will ensure other serious causes are excluded, such as tumours.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic adjustments correct the faulty alignment in the neck. This misalignment compresses the nerves, and may also interfere with the blood vessels. Once alignment is restored, the nerve compression (and potentially blood vessel compression) is reduced, the nerves are not longer being interfered with or disrupted, and patients have been shown to experience reductions in their trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
CURRENT trigeminal neuralgia Therapy
Trigeminal neuralgia is commonly managed with medicines, such as anticonvulsants or antidepressants, which can be helpful in the shorter term. However, if the cause is rooted in the nerve system this will only help to temporarily relieve the symptoms.
Approaches such as massage and acupuncture have been suggested for patients, however due to the nature of these techniques it can be too painful for trigeminal neuralgia sufferers to endure, or it can aggravate and worse the symptoms. Functional neurology or stretching can offer some relief, but usually are best as a complement to a more impactful intervention.
When the trigeminal neuralgia is chronic (long term), the procedures used must assess any underlying problems in the nerve system.
Getting a Diagnosis For Vertigo
For most vertigo patients, the first visit is to the GP and referral to an ENT (ear nose throat) Specialist. Tests may include CT scans, MRI’s and balance tests. The ENT will first exclude serious problems, such as a tumour. If nothing is found the solutions are fairly limited, with the only option being medications.
This may offer some temporary relief but won’t correct the cause. Even for conditions such as Meniere’s Disease the medication such as Betaserc or Stugeron does not offer significant improvement for many cases, while the patient’s hearing continues to deteriorate.
Once serious diseases have been ruled out, there should be a thorough assessment of the upper neck, where the brain-stem and balance centres are located.
The focus must be on the brain stem and nerve system to manage the problem and give a long term solution.
WHEN TO SEE A trigeminal neuralgia SPECIALIST?
If you experience persistent or severe trigeminal neuralgia symptoms that significantly impact your daily life, it is important to consult a professional. For example, recurrent facial pains, increasing frequency of episodes, difficulty sleeping, symptoms to the eyes or mouth, and difficulty performing daily tasks, such as brushing teeth or hair, are warning signs to seek specialised care.
Particularly if you have tried common medical interventions, such as medication, but the results have been limited. a specialist opinion is advised. Before any invasive approaches, such as injections or surgery, it is preferrable to seek alternative options. A trigeminal neuralgia specialist can advise on the appropriate therapy plan to help manage your symptoms.
At Vitality Chiropractic Centres, we can help by addressing the underlying cause of trigeminal neuralgia, which can often be related to issues with the spine or nervous system.
IDENTIFYING VERTIGO WITH A VERTIGO SPECIALIST IN SINGAPORE
For most Vertigo patients, the first visit is to the GP and referral to an ENT (ear, nose, throat) Specialist. A Vertigo specialist will carefully analyse your symptoms, including the frequency, duration, and triggers of Vertigo episodes. This comprehensive evaluation allows the specialist to develop a personalised plan that addresses the underlying cause of your Vertigo rather than just managing the symptoms. Tests might also be conducted to better understand the condition. Some of these tests may include CT scans, MRI and balance tests. The ENT will first exclude serious problems, such as a tumour. If nothing is found, the ways to manage the symptoms are fairly limited, with the only option being medications.
This may offer some temporary relief but won’t correct the cause. Even for conditions such as Meniere’s Disease, medication such as Betaserc or Stugeron does not offer significant improvement for many cases, while the patient’s hearing continues to deteriorate.
Once serious diseases have been ruled out, there should be a thorough assessment of the upper neck, where the brainstem and balance centres are located. The focus must be on the brain stem and nerve system to manage the problem and give a long-term solution.
THE trigeminal neuralgia SPECIALIST APPROACH
Research shows that a misalignment, known as a Subluxation, in the upper neck will put pressure on the spinal cord, impacting the brain stem. This leads to interference in the cranial nerve pathways which pass to your face. The brain may send incorrect messages from the body, as the messages are disrupted, resulting in face pain.
If the trigeminal neuralgia is worsened by the position of the head this is particularly indicative of an Upper Cervical Subluxation. Upper Cervical Chiropractic care can help address the trigeminal neuralgia as it specialises in the upper neck where the cranial nerve centres are located.
At Vitality Chiropractic, as part of our NeuroPro method, we perform nerve tests to address both the cranial nerves and trigeminal neuralgia. Our trigeminal neuralgia specialists also employ a holistic approach to address trigeminal neuralgia. Through a range of specific tests, we gather comprehensive information about your condition, including its underlying causes and contributing factors. This process helps us develop a tailored plan that aligns with your specific needs.
Chiropractic techniques, such as spinal adjustments and rehabilitation exercises, are a key part of our approach. These techniques support proper alignment and function of the upper neck, offering relief for the pressure on the nerves, promoting balance. This is because spinal adjustments, performed by experienced Chiropractors, address misalignments or Subluxations that may be putting pressure on the nerves, interfering with the transmission of signals related to cranial nerves and the trigeminal nerve, reducing the frequency of trigeminal neuralgia symptoms and restoring normal sensation.
Shaan Rai and Jessey Wong are our trigeminal neuralgia specialists in Singapore. Both are experienced in managing trigeminal neuralgia.
FOLLOW UP STEPS
Following initial care for trigeminal neuralgia, it is crucial to follow up with regular Chiropractic check ups. Communication with your trigeminal neuralgia Chiropractor is key, as they can make necessary adjustments to your therapy plan and address any concerns. Implementing lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding triggers and practising relaxation techniques, can also support trigeminal neuralgia management. Collaborative care with other healthcare professionals is encouraged, and staying informed about trigeminal neuralgia and self-care strategies empowers you to actively participate and hasten your recovery.
trigeminal neuralgia CHIROPRACTOR RATES
Here are the expected rates for chiropractic care services at Vitality Chiropractic centres.
discovery call
-
Jump on a call with our chiropractors in Singapore to discuss your concerns and determine if we are the right fit for you.
Consultation
-
During the initial consultation, our Vertigo specialists will get a full history. This will be done by running a physical examination, postural assessment, and nerve system test.
Test Results
-
Our chiropractors will explain the findings and test results from the consultation. A customised chiropractic care plan will then be developed for you.
Single Session
-
Our Vertigo specialists will perform a nerve scan and adjustment as needed. Re-examinations and rehab exercises might be implemented.
GET trigeminal neuralgia CARE FROM CHIROPRACTORS in Singapore
Research shows that spinal misalignment, known as a Subluxation, in the upper neck can put pressure on the spinal cord and interfere with the brain stem. This leads to interference in the cranial nerves, including the trigeminal nerve, which supplies feeling to your face. The brain isn’t able to receive adequate information from the body, as the messages are blocked, resulting in pain or abnormal sensations.
If the trigeminal neuralgia is worsened by the position of the head or neck movements this is particularly indicative of an Upper Cervical Subluxation. Upper Cervical Chiropractic care is particularly effective at helping trigeminal neuralgia as it specialises in the upper neck where the balance centres are located.
At Vitality Chiropractic as part of our unique NeuroPro method we perform nerve tests and are the first Singapore Chiropractor clinic to use this technique, which is especially helpful for both trigeminal neuralgia and face pain. Chiropractic patients experience less trigeminal nerve pain and are able to return to normal activities, such as brushing their hair or playing with their children.
MAKE APPOINTMENT WITH OUR Trigeminal Neuralgia SPECIALISTS NOW!
Call 8438 9550, email help@vitalitychiropracticcentres.com or fill in your information below to book your appointment.
Shaan is a GCC registered Chiropractor from London (UK) who graduated from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (UK). He has completed post-graduate studies and has been a decade of experience..
He founded Vitality Chiropractic Centres to open the first Upper Cervical clinic in Singapore.
He is the Alliance of Chiropractic (AOC) Vice President and Chairman for Outreach, organising events with People’s Association (PA) and other charities. Shaan has served thousands of patients, with experience in patients with headaches, migraines, vertigo, Meniere’s, whiplash, IBS and other chronic nervous system problems.
“You are always better off with a healthy nerve system than an unhealthy nerve system, regardless of symptoms” – Shaan
Jessey is a GCC registered Chiropractor from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), graduated from Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (UK). She has experience serving patients from 2 weeks old to 96 years old prior to moving to Singapore and joining Vitality Chiropractic.
She has completed post-graduate studies and is Singapore’s first female Upper Cervical Chiropractor.
Jessey is active in outreach, participating in charitable trips to Cambodia and within Singapore. Jessey has experience helping patients with headaches, migraines, vertigo, Meniere’s, slipped disc, anxiety, fibrillations, IBS and other chronic nerve system problems. She also has a special interest in children and younger patients.
“I am passionate about helping people kick-start their healing process and have a second chance at life” – Jessey
OUR PATIENT REVIEWS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VERTIGO MANAGEMENT IN SINGAPORE
Do the Chiropractors collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as ENT specialists or neurologists, for comprehensive trigeminal neuralgia management?
Yes, our Singapore Chiropractors at Vitality Chiropractic collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including ENT specialists and neurologists, to provide comprehensive trigeminal neuralgia management. This collaborative approach is advocated by our team to ensure that patients receive a well-rounded and integrated therapy plan tailored to their specific needs, enhancing the effectiveness of their recovery journey.
Are there any research studies or clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of chiropractic care for trigeminal neuralgia?
Yes, there are research studies and clinical evidence supporting the benefits of Chiropractic care for trigeminal neuralgia. Numerous studies have shown the complementary effects of Chiropractic care on reducing trigeminal neuralgia symptoms and improving facial functions when utilised in alignment with other medical interventions. These studies provide scientific validation for the use of Chiropractic techniques, such as spinal adjustments and rehabilitation exercises.
How does the clinic ensure patient safety during trigeminal neuralgia management procedures?
Ensuring patient safety is a top priority at our clinic during trigeminal neuralgia management. We adhere to strict safety protocols and guidelines to minimise any risks or complications. Our experienced chiropractors are trained in trigeminal neuralgia management techniques and utilise gentle adjustments to ensure patient comfort and safety. We also conduct thorough assessments and evaluations to customise therapy plans based on individual patient needs, further enhancing safety and efficacy.
Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with Chiropractic care for trigeminal neuralgia?
Chiropractic care for trigeminal neuralgia is usually safe and well-tolerated, with minimal risks or side effects. However, as with any healthcare intervention, there may be some potential risks. These can include mild soreness or discomfort after adjustments, temporary increase in symptoms during the healing process, and very rare instances of adverse reactions. Our Chiropractors prioritise patient safety and take necessary precautions to minimise risks, ensuring personalised care and monitoring throughout the journey.
How long does it typically take to see changes in trigeminal neuralgia symptoms with Chiropractic adjustments?
The timeframe for experiencing changes in trigeminal neuralgia symptoms with Chiropractic adjustments can vary depending on various factors, including the individual’s condition, its severity, and the response to treatment. Some patients may experience improvements after a few sessions, while others may require more time for noticeable changes. Our Chiropractors will assess each case individually and provide a personalised plan to optimise results and help patients achieve some level of relief from symptoms as efficiently as possible.
Want help with your Trigeminal Neuralgia
Fill in your details below or contact 8438 9550 and we will help you to schedule a Complimentary, no-obligation call with the best Chiropractor in Singapore to discuss your case.
Our Trigeminal Neuralgia specialist Singapore can help.