Upper cervical chiropractor for trigeminal neuralgia relief

A Division of Orris Family Chiropractic

Trigeminal Neuralgia & Facial Pain

When pain feels unbearable and nothing has helped, precise upper cervical correction can calm the storm at its source.

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve — the main sensory nerve of the face. It’s often described as sharp, electric, or burning pain that can come and go suddenly, sometimes triggered by simple actions like brushing your teeth, talking, or even a light breeze.

Common symptoms include:

Sudden stabbing or shock-like pain on one side of the face
Episodes lasting seconds to minutes that can cluster throughout the day
Pain triggered by chewing, speaking, or facial touch
Aching, burning, or tingling sensations that linger between attacks
Muscle tightness or asymmetry in facial movement

For many, medications or procedures may blunt the pain temporarily — but they rarely address why the nerve is so irritated in the first place.

St. Louis trigeminal neuralgia specialist chiropractor

Why the Upper Cervical Spine Matters

Natural facial pain relief through upper cervical care

The trigeminal nerve originates in the brainstem, specifically in the region directly influenced by the top two bones of the neck — the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). When these bones shift even slightly out of alignment, they can distort communication between the brainstem and the cranial nerves that control facial sensation and muscle tone.

This misalignment can:

Increase tension or compression at the nerve’s root entry zone
Disrupt blood flow to sensitive neurological structures
Create muscular imbalance through the jaw and face
Heighten irritation in the trigemino-cervical nucleus (the area that integrates signals from both the face and neck)

By restoring precise alignment at this level, pressure and irritation on the brainstem can decrease — often leading to calmer nerve activity and fewer, less intense attacks.

How Upper Cervical Care Helps Facial Pain Syndromes

Our approach is focused, gentle, and data-driven — designed to restore alignment without twisting or cracking.

We use:

Precision Imaging: Advanced X-rays reveal exactly how the atlas and axis are affecting the nerve pathways.
Gentle, Sound-Wave-Based Correction: Each adjustment is mathematically calculated to reduce distortion and restore stability.
Neurological Rebalancing: Once normal alignment is reestablished, the trigeminal system and autonomic nervous system can begin to calm, reducing hypersensitivity.
Ongoing Monitoring: We track both structural and symptomatic changes to ensure your correction holds and pain stays reduced.

Many patients report a reduction in attack frequency, shorter flare-ups, and a sense of relief that medications alone could not provide.

Chiropractic trigeminal neuralgia treatment in Pacific MO

Let's take care of this facial pain!

What Makes Our Approach Different

Precision brainstem alignment for trigeminal nerve relief

At Gateway Upper Cervical, we use a measurement-driven, Advanced Orthogonal approach designed to be gentle, reproducible, and long-lasting — no twisting, popping, or cracking.
The goal isn’t to move your neck a lot — it’s to move it precisely so it can hold.

Precision X-Rays

Advanced imaging to detect subtle misalignments other scans overlook.
Measurements customized to your exact anatomy.
Clear before-and-after comparisons to verify results.

Precision Correction

Calculated angle, vector, and depth based on your X-rays.
Gentle, sound-wave-based adjustment — no torque or forceful motion.
Designed for stability so your correction holds longer.

Precision Results

Verified improvement in alignment and balance.
Fewer headache days, less intensity, shorter duration.
Real-life outcomes: clearer focus, steadier energy, and more normal days.

Is This Right for You?

You may benefit from upper cervical care if you experience:

Unexplained facial pain that comes in waves or electric bursts
TMJ-like pain that doesn’t respond to dental or jaw treatment
Facial numbness, tingling, or burning without a clear cause
Head or neck injury before your pain began
Multiple failed treatments with temporary relief at best

If your pain has been labeled as “trigeminal neuralgia,” “atypical facial pain,” or “nerve hypersensitivity,” yet nothing has brought lasting change, the head–neck connection may hold the missing piece.

Upper cervical care for chronic facial nerve irritation

What to Expect At Gateway Upper Cervical Institute

St. Louis upper cervical clinic for trigeminal neuralgia

Consult & Exam: We take time to understand your pain triggers, history, and neurological pattern.
Precision Imaging: Specialized X-rays map your upper neck alignment to identify potential irritation points near the brainstem.
Gentle Correction: A precise, non-invasive adjustment restores balance at the craniocervical junction.
Follow-Up & Stability: We monitor changes in pain frequency, intensity, and facial muscle symmetry to confirm measurable improvement.

Many patients describe their first moments of relief as “a deep exhale they’ve been waiting years to take.”

For out-of-town guests, we offer a one-week Intensive Care Program with on-campus lodging options.

We don’t just go by how you feel — we measure progress.

Symptoms ↓ — Less frequent, less intense, and shorter in duration.

Resilience ↑ — Fewer triggers, faster recovery.

Verified Change ✓ — Post-correction checks and imaging confirm improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is upper cervical care safe if I’m sensitive to neck treatment?

Yes. Our method is extremely gentle and low-force — no twisting, popping, or cracking. In fact, with Advanced Orthogonal Technique, we use a very specific soundwave that is not even felt by the patient.

Will I need a lot of visits?

Not necessarily. The goal is to help your correction hold so you don’t need constant adjustments. Early on, we monitor more closely, then extend visits as you stabilize.

What if I’ve tried everything and nothing helped?

That’s exactly who we help most often... Even if you've seen other chiropractors. When the head-neck balance point is corrected precisely, people who’ve struggled for years often see real progress.