Posted on6 August 2025,in

Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Life-Altering Condition

Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment: Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), often described as one of the most painful neurological disorders known to man, is a condition that affects the trigeminal nerve—responsible for sensation in the face. Individuals suffering from TN frequently experience intense, stabbing, electric shock–like pain that can be triggered by the simplest activities—such as brushing teeth, chewing, smiling, or even a gentle breeze brushing against the skin.

The condition can be physically and emotionally debilitating, making day-to-day life feel unpredictable and overwhelming. Many people go through years of failed treatments, invasive procedures, and strong medications without truly finding lasting relief. Fortunately, a groundbreaking yet gentle approach is giving new hope to patients with trigeminal neuralgia—Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care.

At Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota, Florida, our dedicated team of doctors has helped many individuals regain control over their lives by addressing the root cause of this devastating condition.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment: What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal Neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the fifth cranial nerve, known as the trigeminal nerve. This nerve has three branches: the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular—each responsible for transmitting sensations from different parts of the face to the brain.

Types of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Type 1 TN (Classic TN): Characterized by sudden, severe, and sporadic facial pain.
Type 2 TN (Atypical TN): Involves constant, aching, burning pain with occasional sharp episodes.

Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia

The hallmark symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is facial pain, but the intensity, frequency, and triggers can vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include:

Common Symptoms of TN

Sudden, sharp, stabbing, or electric-shock-like pain on one side of the face
Pain episodes lasting a few seconds to several minutes
Pain triggered by routine activities: eating, brushing teeth, talking, or even touching the face
Burning or aching sensations in between episodes of sharp pain
Pain focused around the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips, or occasionally the eye and forehead
Symptoms that progressively worsen over time if left untreated

These symptoms often mimic dental issues, leading to misdiagnoses and unnecessary procedures like tooth extractions or root canals.

What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is commonly caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve, usually by a nearby blood vessel pressing on the nerve near the brainstem. However, other contributing factors can include:

Underlying Causes of TN

Multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating conditions
Tumors compressing the nerve
Facial trauma
Upper cervical spine misalignment, which can disrupt the nerve pathways in the brainstem and affect the trigeminal nerve’s function

This last cause—misalignment of the upper cervical spine—is often overlooked in conventional medicine but has proven to be a major contributor to nerve dysfunction and chronic pain conditions, including TN.

Upper Cervical Misalignment: The Missing Piece in Trigeminal Neuralgia

The upper cervical spine—specifically the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae—houses the brainstem, which serves as the communication hub between the brain and the rest of the body. When the atlas shifts even slightly out of its proper alignment, it can place pressure on the brainstem, disrupt cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, and interfere with cranial nerve function—including the trigeminal nerve.

This can lead to hypersensitivity, pain signals firing when they shouldn’t, and overall dysfunction of facial sensation. Unfortunately, this underlying structural issue is rarely addressed in traditional medical approaches, which often focus on symptom suppression through:

Conventional Treatments for TN

Anticonvulsant medications like carbamazepine or gabapentin
Muscle relaxants
Invasive procedures like nerve blocks or microvascular decompression surgeries

While these methods may provide temporary relief, they rarely correct the root cause.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: A Precise, Natural Approach to Healing Trigeminal Neuralgia

Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses exclusively on correcting misalignments in the upper neck—specifically the atlas (C1) vertebra—using a gentle, precise, and non-invasive technique. Unlike general chiropractic care that may involve twisting, popping, or cracking, upper cervical chiropractic adjustments are incredibly specific and do not involve any forceful movements.

Advanced Imaging and Precision at Lavender Family Chiropractic

At Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota, we use state-of-the-art 3D CBCT (Cone Beam CT) imaging to analyze the exact position of the bones in your upper neck. This allows our doctors to identify misalignments with pinpoint accuracy.

Once identified, a gentle correction is made to restore proper alignment, remove interference from the brainstem, and allow the nervous system to function as it was designed. When the pressure is removed from the brainstem and surrounding tissues, the trigeminal nerve can begin to function normally again, reducing pain and inflammation and restoring quality of life.

Why Choose Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota for Trigeminal Neuralgia Relief?

Lavender Family Chiropractic is not your average chiropractic office. We are proud to be Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Bradenton’s premier upper cervical chiropractic center, specializing in complex neurological conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, migraines, vertigo, TMJ, occipital neuralgia, and more.

What Sets Us Apart

Advanced Imaging: We utilize 3D CBCT scans to precisely analyze the alignment of your upper cervical spine
Functional Nervous System Testing: We use Tytron Infrared Paraspinal Thermography
Gentle Adjustments: No twisting, cracking, or popping
Tailored Care Plans: Every patient receives a care plan personalized to their needs
Expert Team: Dr. Rusty Lavender, Dr. Jacob Temple, and Dr. Will Guzinski—Sarasota’s top upper cervical specialists
Proven Results: Countless patients have experienced life-changing relief from TN symptoms

Patient Success Stories: Trigeminal Neuralgia Relief Through Upper Cervical Care

Many patients come to our office as a last resort—after months or even years of suffering from misdiagnosed or poorly treated trigeminal neuralgia. Once they begin upper cervical care at Lavender Family Chiropractic, the results speak for themselves:

“I had been suffering from unbearable facial pain for over two years. After just a few visits at Lavender Family Chiropractic, I noticed a significant decrease in pain. Now, I’ve been pain-free for over six months without any medication. I got my life back!” – Jennifer, Sarasota FL

“No one had ever looked at my neck before. After Dr. Lavender showed me the CBCT scan and explained how it related to my symptoms, everything clicked. The gentle adjustments changed everything for me.” – Mark, Bradenton FL

Why Haven’t You Heard About This Before?

Upper cervical chiropractic is a specialized field, practiced by only a small percentage of chiropractors. Many patients and even healthcare providers are unaware of its benefits for conditions like TN. But with the right practitioner and proper imaging, this approach can uncover the hidden structural cause of nerve-related pain and finally provide the long-term relief patients deserve.

Serving Sarasota and Surrounding Communities

Lavender Family Chiropractic is proud to serve patients from all over Southwest Florida, including:

Sarasota
Bradenton
Lakewood Ranch
Parrish
Ellenton
Venice
Osprey
Punta Gorda
St. Petersburg
Siesta Key
Longboat Key
Lido Key
Myakka City

If you’re searching for a “chiropractor near me,” “upper cervical chiropractor Sarasota,” or “trigeminal neuralgia doctor near me,” your search ends here.

Top 15 FAQs About Trigeminal Neuralgia and Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

1. What causes trigeminal neuralgia?

It’s commonly caused by nerve compression, but upper cervical misalignment is often a hidden contributor.

2. Can chiropractic care help with trigeminal neuralgia?

Yes—especially upper cervical chiropractic care, which focuses on restoring proper brainstem and nerve function.

3. Is upper cervical chiropractic safe for TN patients?

Absolutely. The technique is gentle, non-invasive, and specifically designed to avoid any forceful movement.

4. How soon will I see results?

Many patients notice improvements within the first few weeks, though it varies based on the severity and duration of symptoms.

5. Will I need treatment forever?

No. Care plans are personalized, and our goal is to restore function so your body can maintain alignment naturally.

6. How is Lavender Family Chiropractic different?

We combine advanced technology, gentle care, and decades of experience to deliver unmatched results.

7. What imaging do you use?

We use 3D CBCT scans for precise structural analysis of the upper cervical spine.

8. Will insurance cover this care?

Our office is out of network with insurance. Many of our patients receive a superbill to submit to their insurance for reimbursement based on their coverage. We offer many different payment options as well as finance options.

9. Does it hurt?

No. The adjustment is incredibly gentle. Most patients are surprised by how light the touch is.

10. Can TN come back after chiropractic care?

If proper alignment is maintained and the underlying cause is resolved, recurrence is unlikely.

11. Can other conditions cause similar facial pain?

Yes. TMJ disorders, sinus issues, and dental problems can mimic TN, which is why proper diagnosis is key.

12. Do you work with neurologists or other doctors?

Yes, we frequently collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes.

13. What if I’ve already had surgery or injections for TN?

You may still benefit from care. Many of our patients come post-procedure for long-term relief.

14. Do I need a referral to come in?

No referral is necessary—just call our office or book online.

15. How do I schedule an appointment?

Call us today at (941) 243-3729 or visit our website at www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com to book your consultation.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief from Trigeminal Neuralgia

If you’re tired of medications, procedures, and living in fear of your next pain episode, it’s time to try something different. Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota is ready to help you uncover the structural cause of your trigeminal neuralgia and guide you on the path toward healing and hope.