Asheville Chiropractor Helps Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia (Tic Douloureux) is a disorder caused by irritation of the Trigeminal or fifth cranial nerve. Individuals with Trigeminal Neuralgia display symptoms including: severe pain in the face and jaw; sensitivity to skin touch; and difficulty in chewing and TMJ movement. Fortunately, upper cervical chiropractic care is proven to be quite effective for this disorder.
Dr. David Nygaard of Atlas Family Chiropractic in Asheville, NC explains why Trigeminal Neuralgia can be so debilitating. "This is a disorder of the fifth cranial nerve that causes episodes of very intense stabbing pain similar to an electric shock in areas of the face where branches of the trigeminal nerve are found. The eyes, lips, nose, scalp, forehead and upper and lower jaw may all be affected. The trigeminal nerves function is to send impulses from the brain to the face, jaw, gums, forehead and eyes. These impulses relay sensations of touch, pressure, temperature and pain."
Atlas Chiropractic Care Treats the Cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Clinical research has confirmed that Trigeminal Neuralgia is caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve, but can also be attributed to damage to the central trigeminal system in the upper spinal cord or brain stem. Research also shows that a high percentage of people inflicted have experienced some kind of head trauma.
"Trauma to the head, neck and back can result in injury or stress to the nerves in the spinal cord and brain stem," explains Dy. Nygaard. "And, these traumas can cause this disorder. Atlas Orthogonal care focuses on restoring the proper (orthogonal) position of the spine and is effective in relieving stress on nerves, and easing or eliminating symptoms associated with Trigeminal Neuralgia."
Dr. Nygaard is board certified in the advanced chiropractic technique known as Atlas Orthogonal. Atlas Orthogonal care involves specific analysis of the spine including three dimensional x-rays that determine if there are any misalignments at the base of the skull in relation to the first vertebrae - the Atlas bone - as it supports the weight of the skull.
Misalignments can place pressure on the nerves in the brainstem, irritating nerves, restricting blood flow and inflaming surrounding tissue. Precise adjustments are delivered as three pounds of gentle pressure are administered through a highly-advanced instrument that applies the required adjustment at the precise place determined as a result of the x-rays. The correction adjusts the spine to its natural position, restoring body balance and providing pain relief while allowing the body to re-establish healthy nerve connections and blood flow.
Patients and Doctors Attest to the Effectiveness of Chiropractic Treatments
One individual with Trigeminal Neuralgia wrote a book about his experience with the outcome of chiropractic treatment. James Tomasi was in such significant, unrelenting pain that he was considering ending his own. In his book, "What Time Tuesday?" he describes how he became an avid supporter of upper cervical chiropractic treatment after he received help for his Trigeminal Neuralgia.
A case study published by Dr. Michael Burcon in October of 2009 reports on the improvement in the quality of life experienced by a patient undergoing cervical specific care as an alternative to medication and surgery. The patient in the case study was a 57-year old woman who had dealt with the pain of Trigeminal Neuralgia for two years. She used pain medication to help ease her pain and took high blood pressure medication. The patient also had a history of injuries that could lead to trauma.
The patient received specific adjustments to her C5 vertebrae and axis. One week after the treatment her Trigeminal Neuralgia pain diminished dramatically in frequency and intensity. After discussing the improvement with her neurologist, she started cutting back her medications. After eight weeks of treatment, she was completely off her medications and was pain free. She also reduced her high blood pressure medication by 50 percent. After two years of monthly maintenance care she is still pain free without the use of medication.
For more information visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net
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Chris Wingate
Freelance journalist, outdoorsman and adrenalin junkie, Chris can be found exploring the forests of the South East where he is a white water raft guide on the French Broad River. When not wet or covered in mud Chris produces shows for his local public access TV station URTV and plays bass in an alt-country band "Hobos and Lace".
For more information visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net