Trigeminal Neuralgia and Neck Posture: How Misalignments Can Trigger Facial Pain
If you’ve ever experienced sudden, sharp, electric-like facial pain, you may have heard of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). This condition affects the trigeminal nerve—also known as Cranial Nerve V—the main nerve responsible for sensation in your face. While medications or surgery are often suggested, many people don’t realize that neck posture and spinal alignment can play a huge role in TN symptoms.
How Neck Tension Affects the Trigeminal Nerve
Your cervical spine—the neck—houses not only the spinal cord but also a network of nerves that communicate with your brain and face. When the neck is out of alignment, or when you develop forward head posture, it creates constant tension in the muscles, ligaments, and nerves of the upper neck.
Forward head posture is incredibly common these days. Think of hours spent at a computer, looking down at your phone, or hunching over work. Over time, this pulls the head forward, changes the natural curve of the cervical spine, and can compress or irritate nerves—including Cranial Nerve V.
This tension can trigger or worsen trigeminal neuralgia symptoms, causing those sudden, stabbing pains in the face that seem impossible to predict.
Green Chiropractic | Omaha’s Leading Posture Restoration Clinic
Why the Cervical Curve Matters
Your neck isn’t just a stack of bones—it’s a complex, flexible structure designed to absorb shock and support your head. Ideally, the cervical spine has a gentle “C” curve. When that curve flattens or reverses due to poor posture or spinal misalignment, it increases pressure on the nerves and reduces the neck’s natural ability to move efficiently.
This is where Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) comes in. CBP is a highly specialized chiropractic technique that focuses on restoring the natural curve of the cervical spine. By carefully reshaping and stabilizing the neck, CBP helps reduce mechanical stress on the spinal joints and nerves—including Cranial Nerve V.
How Chiropractic Biophysics Helps TN
Through a combination of precise adjustments, traction, and posture correction exercises, CBP:
- Alleviates pressure on Cranial Nerve V, which may reduce the frequency and intensity of facial pain.
- Restores the cervical curve, helping the neck better support the head and spine.
- Stabilizes the spine, preventing further misalignment that could contribute to nerve irritation.
- Improves overall nervous system function, allowing signals to flow more freely between the brain and the body.
A Real Solution Beyond Medication
Many patients with trigeminal neuralgia feel frustrated by medications, injections, or surgeries that only mask the problem. By addressing the root cause—neck posture, cervical misalignments, and nerve tension—chiropractic care provides a natural, non-invasive approach to managing TN symptoms.
If you’ve been living with sudden, sharp facial pain, it’s worth considering whether your neck posture could be contributing. Restoring proper alignment not only reduces nerve pressure but also supports long-term spinal health—helping you feel better, move better, and live better.
Call Green Chiropractic to have your TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA evaluation: 402-933-5392