If you suffer from trigeminal neuralgia (TN)—a condition characterized by sharp, electrical pain in the face—then you know just how debilitating and extremely unpleasant it can be. Traditional TN treatments like medication and surgery do not always work, and they come with a host of side effects. But there is good news: recent studies have shown that certain exercises can help relieve the pain of TN. This blog post will discuss some of the best exercises to relieve trigeminal neuralgia.
Exercises To Relieve Pain From Trigeminal Neuralgia
1. Chewing gum. Chewing gum may seem like an unlikely TN treatment but bear with us. One small study showed that people who chewed gum for 30 minutes a day experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to those who did not chew gum.
The chewing action appears to help reduce inflammation in the trigeminal nerve, which may be why it is so effective at relieving TN pain. Just make sure to use sugar-free gum so as not to exacerbate any dental problems you may have. And if you find that chewing gum worsens your pain, stop immediately and consult your doctor.
2. Neck rolls. Neck rolls are a simple but effective exercise for TN sufferers. Start sitting or standing up straight with your shoulders relaxed to do a neck roll. Slowly lower your chin towards your chest, then roll your head from side to side. Finish by rolling your head backward and tilting your chin up towards the ceiling.
Do 10 repetitions of this exercise 2-3 times per day. You should start to notice a decrease in pain within a few days.
3. Facial massage. Another easy exercise you can do at home is a facial massage. This exercise helps promote circulation and relax facial muscles, which can, in turn, help reduce TN pain. To give yourself a facial massage, start by rubbing your temples in small circles with your fingertips for about 20 seconds on each side.
Then, using your fingertips and index fingers, massage your jaw muscles in an up-and-down motion for 30 seconds on each side. Finish by gently pressing on any areas of muscle tension for 20-30 seconds each. Do this exercise 2-3 times per day for the best results.
4. Jaw stretches. Jaw stretches are another great exercise for TN sufferers. Start by placing your index fingers on either side of your chin and opening your mouth wide. Then, using gentle pressure, push your lower jaw forward until you feel a stretch in your jaw muscles. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then release and repeat. Do 5 repetitions of this exercise 2-3 times per day.
In the end
If you suffer from trigeminal neuralgia, don’t despair—there are several exercises you can do at home to help relieve your pain! From chewing gum to neck rolls to facial massage, these exercises are easy to do and require no special equipment or training. Give them a try today and see how much better you feel! And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, be sure to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.”