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Please do consider Acupuncture and Physiotherapy

Posted , 3 users are following.

Nicolajane5
Nicolajane5

I had been suffering from TN for a number of years and it is triggered by changes in temperature, cold air blowing on my face and cold weather generally. All of the different medications available either gave me very unpleasant side effects or were not effective. Research about surgery options and possible complications made me anxious, but I agreed with my GP to see a consultant. Whilst waiting for my appointment, I decided to try Acupuncture and booked my first visit in September 2014.

I was seen by a qualified physiotherapist/acupuncturist and she did a combination of soft tissue manipulation and acupuncuture. Since then I have had 8 appointments, gradually extending the gap between treatments and I can count on one hand the occasions when I have felt only discomfort and not the debilitating pain, dizziness and queasiness that has forced me to bed. I am now able to do the soft tissue manipulation to my neck when I feel discomfort to stop the pain. My physio expects to carry out only the occasional acupunture treatments in future to act as a 'top-up'. This was the best decision I could have made and I wished that I had tried this years ago. (Needless to say - I cancelled my appointment with the consultant). I would like to thank Nicky Hignett (Physiotherapist), Nuffield Hospital, Leicester. This has transformed my life. I have enjoyed walks with my family on the coldest of winter days for the first time in years! I would urge anyone to try this option as an alternative to a lifetime of medication and / or possible surgery.

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Glor888
    Glor888 Nicolajane5

    Posted

    Hi Nicolajane

    Thank you for your advice on trying Acupuncture and Physiotherapy.

    I have been a sufferer for over twenty years and it was only about a month ago I was thinking about Acupuncture etc but being a pensioner I was concerned as to how much it would cost. I called in once to a chinese Herbal shop and he suggested Acupuncture at £30 for half an hr. So no more was done about it. 

    My TN returned 6 months ago and at present I'm decreasing my medication as I've no longer felt any pain in between dosages. Fingers crossed my TN will not return once my medication finishes.

    I will certainly keep Acupuncture in mind if my TN should return but only if I can find somewhere cheaper, but I will check out a few more places. My GP has never suggested it so I can only assume it cannot be done on the NHS.

    I am please that you have found some relief for this dreaded painful TN.

    All the best

    Regards

    Gloriana

     

    • Nicolajane5
      Nicolajane5 Glor888

      Posted

      Hi Gloriana,

      It may be worth speaking to your GP. My medical practice has a GP who carries out acupuncture also. I though will stay with my physio because of the amazing results - Pain Free for several months now.

      Kind regards

      Nicola. 

  • Glor888
    Glor888 Nicolajane5

    Posted

    Hi Nicolajane

    Thank you, I will mention it to him the next time my TN returns. I'm glad you're now pain free that is really good results. All the best.

    Regards

    Gloriana

  • colin69485
    colin69485 Nicolajane5

    Posted

    Hi NicolaJ

    Thank you for a very interesting and constructive message.

    When I first experienced TN and started taking Tegretol, I discussed the possibility of acupuncture and massage etc., with my physiotherapist. He said that he had had several successful outcomes treating TN patients and was there when I needed him!

    More evidence that this might well be a route for others to pursue. Thanks again. Colin

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