Skip To Content

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Photo of a woman holding her face in pain in front of a warped background.

Does it seem triggered by regular everyday activities?

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve — the nerve responsible for carrying sensation from your face to your brain. If you have TN, you know it's not just a simple headache or toothache. It feels like sudden, severe, electric-shock-like or stabbing pain in the jaw, cheek, teeth, gums, or lips. The pain can be triggered by everyday activities like brushing your teeth, chewing, talking, or even a light breeze on your face.

Because the symptoms can mimic dental problems, many people see a dentist first. But when the pain persists, it's important to look at the nervous system and the structural foundation of the spine and skull.

What causes TN?

In many cases, trigeminal neuralgia is caused by a blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain. This compression wears away the nerve's protective coating, causing it to send faulty, hyperactive pain signals. Other causes can include multiple sclerosis, tumors, or structural misalignments in the upper cervical spine (neck) that put tension on the brainstem and cranial nerves.

How can specific structural chiropractic help?

Instead of just masking the pain, we focus on specific structural correction — a precise method of analyzing and correcting misalignments in the spine, particularly in the upper neck.

Here’s why that matters for trigeminal neuralgia:

  • The trigeminal nerve originates in the brainstem, which sits right at the top of the spine. If the upper neck bones are misaligned, they can create tension, irritation, or altered fluid dynamics around the brainstem. This can directly affect how the trigeminal nerve functions.
  • By gently and specifically correcting the alignment of the upper cervical spine, we can reduce the mechanical tension on the brainstem and the surrounding nerve roots. This allows the nervous system to function more normally and can reduce the frequency and intensity of TN episodes.
  • Unlike general chiropractic adjustments, specific structural correction is tailored to your unique spinal structure. It's precise, low-force, and designed to hold the correction over time, not just provide temporary relief.

Go to your local Ann Arbor chiropractor for a combined approach

By pairing specific structural correction with shockwave therapy, your local Ann Arbor chiropractor can offer a comprehensive, non-invasive, drug-free path forward.

If you're tired of living with the unpredictable, shocking pain of trigeminal neuralgia, you don't have to settle for "managing" it. You deserve a real look at the cause.

A consultation with us is always a conversation, never a commitment. We'll listen to your story, review any imaging you have, and explain exactly what we see and how we might be able to help.

Call us today at 734.221.0362 or schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more.

Customer Reviews

  • Dr.Andrew Gessert is an outstanding professional with amazing skill in adjusting my neck and spine. I can continue in my sport feeling great after an adjustment. You don't know how great you can feel till your nerves and spine are aligned. Thank you Dr. Gessert.

    Pamela S.

  • I started seeing Dr. Andrew last summer after my Cross Fit coach listened to my complaints about my body and urged me to get a consultation. It’s now been almost a full year, and not only do I feel so much better physically—much less chronic pain—but I feel much more in touch and in tune with my body, due to the treatment he provides, and also the at-home stretching that he prescribed. Dr. Andrew is friendly and always takes the time to listen to how I’m feeling, and he never fails to amaze me at how he can assess my physical problems and use his training to correct them. I would recommend him to anyone who has pain and wants to feel better!

    Aaron R.

  • Great experience for me. Easy to work with and accommodating. Andy has a very clear process and steps through it adjusting on the way. He is professional, communicates well and is never rushed. Every thing is very well explained and measured. My results have been great. Life changing. Highly recommended.

    Willy L.

  • I’m very impressed with Dr. Gessert’s skill in adjusting my neck and spine; especially given the fact that I have had numerous orthopedic surgeries. Not only am I walking straighter, he also provided me with an ongoing strengthening plan to maintain the results I am happily experiencing. Highly recommend a visit to Pivotal Chiropractic.

    Steven P.

  • Dr. Andrew is an amazing Chiropractor. He is always prompt with communication. His office is very clean and he has state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. Dr. Andrew takes the time to customize a plan for you for better motion, better posture, and less discomfort. I would absolutely recommend Dr Andrew to anyone looking for Chiropractic professionals.

    Jeff O.