May 3, 2023

Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chiropractic

By Dr. Dan Foss, DC

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a very painful condition where the Trigeminal cranial nerve or cranial nerve #5 becomes entrapped or demyelinated. When the nerve becomes trapped it is usually due to inflammation or blockage. Demyelination occurs when the nerve either becomes infected or compressed. Demyelination is when a nerve starts to lose its nerve transmission. It can become a very debilitating disorder.

Some of the causes can be typical as described above and can also be atypical — what is called Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia (ATN) or Atypical Facial Pain. ATN usually is due to demyelination of the nerve caused by either a trip to the dentist where the dentist hits the inferior or superior alveolar nerve, or due to an abscess of a tooth that causes inflammation and subsequent demyelination. To fix this problem the tooth and/or abscess is removed and usually the pain goes away.

Movement of the cranial bones can also cause entrapment of the Trigeminal nerve. When the bones of the skull move out of alignment or subluxate they can put pressure or blockage onto the cranial nerves. This can happen due to trauma, sinus pressure, or stress. Cranial chiropractic adjustments can help to remove this pressure and alleviate the source of the problem.

What Is the Trigeminal Nerve?

The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve and the largest of the twelve cranial nerves. It has three main branches:

Ophthalmic branch (V1) — carries sensation from the scalp, forehead, upper eyelid, and nose
Maxillary branch (V2) — carries sensation from the lower eyelid, cheek, upper lip, and upper teeth
Mandibular branch (V3) — carries sensation from the lower lip, lower teeth, jaw, and chin; also controls the muscles of chewing

When this nerve becomes irritated, compressed, or demyelinated, the result can be some of the most severe pain a human being can experience — often described as an electric shock or stabbing sensation in the face that lasts from a few seconds to several minutes.

How Common Symptoms Present

Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms are distinctive and severe:

Sudden, severe episodes of facial pain — like an electric shock or stabbing sensation
Pain triggered by normally non-painful stimuli: eating, talking, brushing teeth, even a light breeze on the face
Pain typically affects one side of the face
Episodes can occur many times per day or be separated by weeks or months
Burning or aching sensation between acute episodes in atypical cases
Muscle spasm on the affected side during pain episodes

How Cranial Chiropractic Addresses Trigeminal Neuralgia

The difference between a typical chiropractic adjustment — which usually focuses on the spine — and a cranial chiropractic adjustment is that the focus is on moving the cranial bones. Dr. Foss has advanced training in cranial chiropractic and has helped numerous patients with TN not only eliminate their pain but stay healthy so the TN does not come back.

The cranial bones are not fused rigid structures — they have subtle, rhythmic motion that is essential to the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid and the function of the meningeal system. When cranial bone misalignment occurs, it can create direct mechanical pressure on the trigeminal nerve at several points:

At the foramen ovale — where the mandibular branch exits the skull
At the superior orbital fissure — where the ophthalmic branch passes
Along the cavernous sinus — where vascular compression can occur
At the sphenopalatine ganglion — a nerve cluster associated with many facial pain syndromes

By gently mobilizing the temporal, sphenoid, and other cranial bones, Dr. Foss can reduce this mechanical pressure, improving nerve function and reducing the frequency and severity of TN episodes.

The SOT Connection

The Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) that Dr. Foss practices recognizes the intimate connection between the sacrum at the base of the spine and the occiput at the base of the skull — with the meningeal system connecting them. Tension anywhere in this system can travel upward to affect cranial nerve function. SOT's cranial component is a systematic approach to evaluating and correcting these patterns from the pelvis all the way to the cranial vault.

What to Expect at Pura Vida Chiropractic

At your initial visit, Dr. Foss will take a thorough history of your trigeminal neuralgia symptoms — when they started, what triggers them, how long episodes last, and what has helped or worsened them. He will perform a detailed cranial evaluation and neurological assessment.

Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia using cranial chiropractic is gentle — involving very light, precise contact with the cranial bones and the soft tissues at the base of the skull. Most patients find the treatment comfortable and calming, despite the severity of the condition being treated.

Why Choose Dr. Dan Foss for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Dr. Foss brings over 23 years of clinical experience and Advanced SOT Certification through SORSI — including specialized training in cranial adjusting — to the treatment of complex neurological conditions like trigeminal neuralgia. He is one of very few chiropractors in San Antonio with this level of expertise in cranial work.

His approach is complementary to any medical care you are receiving. If you are taking medication for TN, cranial chiropractic can help address the mechanical component of the condition without interfering with your medical treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cranial chiropractic safe for trigeminal neuralgia? Yes. Cranial chiropractic uses extremely gentle forces — far lighter than a standard spinal adjustment. Dr. Foss performs a full evaluation before beginning any treatment, and the approach is tailored carefully to each patient's specific presentation.

How many visits will I need? Response varies by individual. Some patients notice significant improvement within the first few sessions; others require a more extended course of care. Dr. Foss will assess your response and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

Can chiropractic help if I've already tried other treatments? Many patients with trigeminal neuralgia who have tried medications, nerve blocks, or even surgery come to Dr. Foss and find that cranial chiropractic provides a level of relief they haven't been able to achieve through other means. The cranial/mechanical component of TN is often overlooked in conventional treatment.

Serving San Antonio

Pura Vida Chiropractic serves patients from Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, Castle Hills, Leon Valley, Helotes, Shavano Park, and Boerne. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our office.

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Pura Vida Chiropractic 2318 NW Military Hwy #103, San Antonio, TX 78231 📞 Call (210) 685-1994 🕐 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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