Anyone use a chiropracter?

[Irulan]

I wouldn't know about trigeminal neralgia but i've been whiplashed twice in rear end car accidents and the treatment was chiropractic and massage exclusively. I don't know if that's relevant to the trigeminal neralgia or not.

Irulan

[MM_QFC!]

IMHO, misslizz is right on the money once again. Just suffice it to say that I did NOT have good experience with chiropractic care; every point you made, I read it and nodded vigorously, missliz.
I was rear-ended and went to a couple of chiropractors; had strong referrals for both of them and no bias beforehand and was optimistic that the bodywork would help - NOT!
As for massage - most states have licensing boards and licensed massage practitioners must meet continuing ed requirments after passing not only a comprehensive course of study and practicum, but both a written as well as practical exam. There are sports massage specialists and, as previously noted, many primary care physicians partner with these health care professionals...my insurance covers massage therapy as well as physical therapy and so they are integral to injury assessment, rehab, post-op...My PT is busy with referrals by doctors at the university's sports medicine clinic, so she works with scores of athletes, as well as being one herself. Their scope of practice serves to help in training, as well as maintenance and rehab - awesome.
Re: trigeminal neuralgia - the trigeminal nerve must've been nicked or hurt in your accident. It's a 3 pronged nerve covering a good portion of the face, I think...and neuralgia is nerve pain, which is pretty raw as far as pain goes...maybe the field of massage therapy dealing with cranio-sacral treatment might help alleviate the pain?
That's my nickels worth!

[missliz]

Three years strikes me as a long lag between the injury and the trinemal neuralgia (had those headaches- horrendous). Bet there's better meds that won't grog you up, and my vote, not knowing any details, is for massage- it helps everything, just like ice cream!
I've got a medication dependent condition, and have found that one womans great med is another womans misery. You can't ride if you're dizzy. Complain to your doc, this is a quality of life issue.

missliz

[Trixiee]

You guys are so helpful! You're all absolutely right- the pain is in the face, it's horrendous, and the condition truly affects my quality of life! I haven't been on my bike yet this year! But, I am signed up for my 1st dualthlon of the season in 2 and a half weeks! I've cut back on the medication, which reduces the dizziness, and will seek out all my options for non-medicinal pain relief.
The weather forcast is for decent weather in the next few days, and I'm taking my bike in for a spring tune up TODAY!

Good luck everybody! Many the wind be always at your back!
Trixiee

[MM_QFC!]

Hey Trixiee...I think that the trigeminal nerve actually is a cranial nerve, stretching along a side of the face...whatever it is, nerve pain is not fun, so get someone who is knowledgeable about naturopathic, osteopathic (as missliz says, osteopathic docs go thru med school and then some, so that they do bodywork and know what's going on under their (hopefully) healing hands). Nerve pain is debillitating if not treated and you want to let any caregivers know in very clear terms that you're a biker girl and need to be back on your bike, pronto! Hang in there!

[missliz]

A decent MD can get you better meds, too. If what you're on is grogging you up, change. A chronic pain situation can really trash your health. trying to ride on space cadet drugs isn't good either, you can fall and get injured. Or at least frustrated. Been there, done it. On what turned out to be a factory rep ride, he was looking to hand out Schwinn swag to shop sponsered riders. I was such a spaz I left in tears. I'm still yelling at my doc about that four years later. They never think that dizzy and groggy is dangerous, even when you're just crossing the street.

missliz

[Trixiee]

You're all so right! I was just sad about my new condition, now I'm getting mad! Not only does this affect my riding, it's affecting all aspects of my life. As a commissioned sales person, I need to be on top of my game, not chasing it!
When I complained about the dizziness/sleepiness to my MD, he told me to take Gravol for the dizziness. Holy Cow, when I take a gravol, I'm down for the count for 8 hours! Now tell me, how can I be a safe driver, let alone cyclist, with all these stupid drugs inhibiting me? I did call my PT, and he told me he could do TENS for the pain, but the drug that I am on usually works the best for my condition.
I have the name of a chiropractor who does not "manipulate" the spine. It's some type of gentle treatment. THe only problem is that her office is about 75 min. away! That's the problem when you live in small town Canada, all the experts are so far away.
It's worth the investment in time though, when you look at the alternative. I'll check in to the Osteopath too.

Thanks again, everyone!

[cyclechick]

I'd like to add another alternative....I personally love my chiropractor,and he has helped me out immensely. However, my best friend has had problems for years and shuffled through many chiros...never did the job for her. HOwever, she then tried accupuncture. I think she went for maybe 5 times,and her continual back pain (she's had back problems for at LEAST 10 years) is finally better...
So you may want to try accupuncture....

[sailingship]

I an completely relate to anyone who has had back pain, leg pain ,etc. I went to a variety of doctors, and finally the only thing that worked was to see a neurosurgeon who did a lot of epidural injections into all of these nerves that were preventing me from walking, or doing anything.

I bought at new bike less than a month ago-- am pain free. In fact, I have put more miles on my bike than I have on my car. Somthing to think about. I will turn 50 next month, and I feel better than I did when I was 20.

[missliz]

You go girl! I love a success story, trying to be one too. Good pain management docs are awesome, and I'm glad you got releif.
Keep on the magic carpet ride.

missliz