Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes extreme, sudden, and sharp facial pain. The pain is caused by damaged nerves in the trigeminal nerve, which is located in your skull. This nerve sends signals from your brain to your face, so when it’s damaged, it can cause facial pain. Massage therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for trigeminal neuralgia by reducing pain and improving quality of life. Read on to learn how you can give yourself a self massage for trigeminal neuralgia.
How Massage Therapy Can Help Trigeminal Neuralgia
Massage therapy can help ease the pain of trigeminal neuralgia by promoting relaxation and decreasing muscle tension. Massage also increases blood flow and circulation, which helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. In addition, massage releases endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. All of these effects of massage can help reduce the intensity and frequency of trigeminal neuralgia attacks.
Giving Yourself a Massage for Trigeminal Neuralgia Relief
There are certain pressure points in your head and neck that can help relieve trigeminal neuralgia pain when massaged. These pressure points are located in between your eyebrows, on either side of your nose, behind your ears, and on the muscles at the base of your skull. To massage these pressure points, use your fingertips to apply gentle but firm pressure in a circular motion. Do this for 10-15 seconds at a time until you feel relief from the pain. You can do this as often as needed throughout the day.
In addition to massaging pressure points, you can also use ice or heat to help relieve trigeminal neuralgia pain. Ice can help numb the area and reduce inflammation, while heat can help relax the muscles. Use ice for 10 minutes at a time, followed by 10 minutes of heat. Repeat this process as needed throughout the day.
5 Self-massage techniques for trigeminal neuralgia relief
1. Facial massage: This technique is often used to relieve tension headaches but can also be helpful for trigeminal neuralgia. Gently massage the muscles of your face and head with your fingertips
2. Scalp massage: Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips. This may help release some tension in the muscles and nerves around your head and neck.
3. Neck massage: Gently massage your neck muscles with your fingers. Be sure to avoid any trigger points that may be causing pain.
4. Shoulder massage: Gently massage the muscles of your shoulders with your fingers. This can help release some tension in the muscles and nerves around your head and neck.
5. Jaw exercise: Open your mouth wide and move your jaw from side to side. This can help stretch the muscles and relieve some tension in the trigeminal nerve.
In the end
If you’re suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, know that you’re not alone—and there are things you can do to ease your pain. Massaging pressure points on your head and neck can help provide some relief from the sharp and sudden facial pains associated with this condition. In addition to massaging pressure points, ice or heat can help ease trigeminal neuralgia pain. Try incorporating these self-care techniques into your daily routine to find relief from trigeminal neuralgia pain.
