Wish I would have tried this 12 years ago
Posted , 7 users are following.
I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia 12 years ago at age 42. Typical story, started at dentist, before eventually finding my way to neurosurgeon. Diagnosed and started taking Carbamazepine. Carbamazepine effective eliminating pain for the next 10 years. Also had periods of remission. Eventually, Carbamazepine no longer effective. Eventually tripling dosage and added Baclofen. Due to side effects, stopped Baclofen and added Gabapentin. Tripled dosage of Gabapentin. Still have side effects and unable to completely control pain with medication, so began exploring other options. I am postponing gamma knife, microvascular decompression, and other injections and compression procedures that each come with their own risks. Discovering that upper cervical technique and acupuncture have helped others, I started search for doctors and licensed professionals with TN experience in my area. While going through upper cervical treatments, I discovered something I wish I had known years ago. If I turn my head to the left and position it a certain way the pain goes away. I'm not sure if this is a result of the treatment or just me turning and stretching my neck more as a result of the treatment, but I am now able to stop the pain when the triggers occur. This is not a permanent fix, but relieves the fear I had of having the pain triggered and not having any control over it. In my case, the neck must be turned nearly 75 degrees to the left, so it is not practical to go around life with my neck turned this way. I do eat this way, since eating is a trigger nearly every time. Not sure exactly why this stops the pain. I continue my upper cervical treatments and will soon begin acupuncture. I also continue to take medications and remain in contact with my neurosurgeon. I am interested to know if anyone else with TN tried this technique of simply turning the head to stop or prevent TN pain. I wish I would have tried it 12 years ago for some relief.
1 like, 16 replies
melinda1961 SteveKa
Posted
Hi Steve,
What is the upper cervical treatment? I'm 3 years into this ordeal with TN and have had a few times with 3-4 months without pain. However, since August 28th the pain is constantly at a 2 and flares up to as much as an 8. Although the pain has changed somewhat. It's not like a lightening bolt shooting from by chin to my ear. Now it really affects my saliva glands to the extreme. And I used to be able to sleep ok but now, wake up with the most extreme pain and can't brush my teeth with toothpaste anymore. I have to use peroxide.
Recently, I saw a kinesiologist who muscle tested me and told me she thinks the root cause is related to the herpes simplex virus which can lie dormant in the TN nerve. The virus can become reactivated during periods of emotional stress or immunocompromised individuals. About 30 years I used to get cold sores every time I got stressed. Then I started taking really good vitamins/mineral supplements which built up my immune system and havne't had any cold sores in 20+ years. I researched it and there are many cases that might support this. Has anyone else heard of this?
Now, I'm taking an antiviral therapy and praying that this will take care of this issue.
Taking one day at a time,