Trigeminal Neuralgia Resolved Under Chiropractic Care - A Case Study

On April 6, 2022, the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic published the results of a case study documenting the resolution of trigeminal neuralgia for a patient who was undergoing chiropractic care. Trigeminal neuralgia is a painful condition that causes severe electric shock-like pain on one side of the face.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, "Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also known as tic douloureux, is sometimes described as the most excruciating pain known to humanity. The pain typically involves the lower face and jaw, although sometimes it affects the area around the nose and above the eye. This intense, stabbing, electric shock-like pain is caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve, which sends branches to the forehead, cheek and lower jaw. It usually is limited to one side of the face. The pain can be triggered by an action as routine and minor as brushing your teeth, eating or the wind. Attacks may begin mild and short, but if left untreated, trigeminal neuralgia can progressively worsen."

The study begins by pointing out that trigeminal neuralgia is a common condition affecting between 12.6 and 28.9 per 100,000 people each year. This condition is three times more common in women than in men, and typically strikes between the ages of mid 30’s to mid 60’s. Typical medical care for this condition starts with medications but may include a recommendation for surgery if no relief is found.

In this case, a 25-year-old man went to the chiropractor after having suffered for six months with burning left-sided jaw pain. The man’s medical doctor had diagnosed him with trigeminal neuralgia. A chiropractic examination was performed, and it was decided to start a regime of conservative care including spinal adjustments.

The study reports that, after three months of care, the man was no longer having symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia and was completely pain free. The study also reported that at some time in the future, the man’s trigeminal neuralgia did return after a boxing match in which he was hit in the jaw. This second episode was again successfully corrected under chiropractic care.

The authors of this study acknowledge that pharmaceuticals are a common medical approach. "The treatments for TN are not universally agreed upon and controversy still exists regarding treatment options. Pharmacological treatment seems to be the most widely accepted and utilized form of treatment; however, few randomized control trials exist, and many of the medications are associated with significant side effects."