Does Trigeminal Neuralgia Get Worse Over Time & Does Massage Help?

As the disease progresses, patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia have more frequent attacks and the remission period is quite small. Various massage techniques may prove effective in alleviating symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia.

As the disease progresses, the severity of pain is increased. Trigeminal neuralgia is divided into the attack phase when the patient experiences symptoms and the remission phase when the symptoms subside. During the initial period, the time of remission is high and goes to months and years, while the period of attack is less. However, as the disease progresses, the time of remission starts reducing and the patient frequently experiences trigeminal neuralgia attack. Recurrence is highly variable thus the early outcome of the disease cannot be predicted¹.

Apply Pressure On The Painful Area: Applying pressure on the affected area also reduces the pain of the trigeminal neuralgia. However, the patient or massage expert should not apply too much pressure on the affected area⁴.

Cranial-Sacral Massage: Through this technique, the stress is decreased on the head and neck area and pressure is also reduced.

Acupressure/Shiatsu: It helps in decreasing the future episodes of pain. It can be used once the acute phase of the pain has passed.

Lymphatic Massage: Through lymphatic massage, the lymphatic drainage is achieved. It can help in reducing the fluid congestion that may cause the pain on the nerve due to pressure⁵.

Herbal Treatment For Trigeminal Neuralgia

Tinospora Cordifolia (Guduchi): Guduchi reduces inflammation and the regular use helps to reduce the symptoms of neuropathy.

Pluchea Lanceolate (Rasna): it is commonly used the drug for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. It improves the function of the nerve system, decreases the inflammation of the nerve and protects the nerve from damage. Shunthi has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce the inflammation of the nerve and provide relief from the nerve pain².

Commiphora Wightii: It is used as a nerve tonic: it can reduce the fear of anxiety that develops along with pain. It can also help in preventing depression.

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend): It helps to relieve from stress and depression.

Viparita Karani: This yoga poses increases blood flow in the body.

Apply Cool And Hot On Nerve Area: Hot and cold pads help relieve from pain and inflammation. However, if temperature variation acts as a trigger in a particular patient, he should not use hot and cold pads.

Wear Splint: Splinting may help in preventing jaw clenching. Jaw clenching, in many patients, acts as a trigger for trigeminal neuralgia attack.

Cayenne Pepper: Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia may also apply capsaicin cream and cayenne pepper for nerve pain³.

Spigelia: It is a remedy for reducing the pain from the cheeks. This is also effective when the facial pains radiate and the person experiences severe pain on the left side of the body.

If left untreated, trigeminal neuralgia leads to serious complications. It significantly affects the quality of life and is debilitating both mentally and physically. Following are some of the complications related to poorly managed or unmanaged trigeminal neuralgia:

Severe And Debilitating Pain: The trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating painful condition. The pain of trigeminal neuralgia is manageable; however, the disease is progressive and the severity of pain increases.

Social Isolation: Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition with severe and excruciating pain that cause depression and isolation. The patient fears to talk to people and attending get-togethers.

Stress And Depression: Because of the sudden and uncertain nature of trigeminal neuralgia attack, the patient continuously remains under stress. Further, the severity of pain and difficulty in managing the condition adds to the woes of the patient.

Trigeminal neuralgia gets more severe with time and patient’s experiences increase in the frequency of attack. Massage therapy helps relieving the pain as well as reduces pressure and stress.

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Also Read:

• Trigeminal Neuralgia or Prosopalgia or Fothergill’s Disease: Causes, Treatment- Surgery
• How Long Does Trigeminal Neuralgia Last & Ways to Get Rid of it?
• Can Trigeminal Neuralgia Be Fatal & How Painful Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
• Is Trigeminal Neuralgia Considered A Disability & Is It A Permanent Problem?
• What Foods Should You Avoid & Eat If You Have Trigeminal Neuralgia?
• What Triggers Trigeminal Neuralgia & Is It The Most Painful Condition?