“I have random fits of sharp shooting pain on the side of my head near my ear and it is
Kim Le
November 15, 2022
“I have random fits of sharp shooting pain on the side of my head near my ear and it is sometimes sensitive to touch. Sometimes eating or talking can bring on the pain but it is unpredictable”
When experiencing Facial or head pain, we want to determine the source of pain as symptoms can be similar across different causes.
Sudden onset with repeat attacks is typical of several types of neuralgias e.g trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, greater Auricular and lesser occipital nerves.
The most common facial neuralgia is the Trigeminal neuralgia.
Common symptoms include:
- sudden short sharp pain on the side of the head or face
- sensitive to light touches
- can be triggered from talking, coughing or swallowing
Common referral pain areas for trigeminal neuralgia can be seen in the image below
Chiropractic or Physiotherapy management of facial pain is dependant on the source of the pain. Currently there are no studies that indicate chiropractic or physiotherapy is successful in treating facial neuralgias however the rationale for seeing a chiro or physio is the relationship between the relationship between the upper spinal nerves and the spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve.
If the source of pain is coming from the oral cavity and triggered by oral stimulus such as cold, hot, sweetness or pressure, then it would be appropriate to consult a dentist.
The typical medical management of facial neuralgia is with anti-seizure medication. Make sure to consult your general practitioner before taking any medication.
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There are many possible causes of back pain and headaches. Some causes are more common than others. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions. One possible cause of back pain and headaches is muscle tension. This can be caused by stress or poor posture. Exercising regularly and practising good posture can help to alleviate this type of pain. Another common cause of back pain and headaches is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints and can cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness. There are many different types of arthritis, and treatment depends on the specific diagnosis. If you experience back pain and headaches, it is important to see a doctor determine the cause. There are many potential causes, some more serious than others.
Pins and needles in arms can be caused by many things. Poor posture, sitting in one position for too long, or sleeping on your arm can all lead to pins and needles. In most cases, the sensation goes away after you move your arm or change your position. Pins and needles can also be caused by pressure on the nerves. This can happen when you wear a tight bracelet or watchband or cross your legs for a long time. The sensation usually goes away quickly once the pressure is released. In some cases, pins and needles may indicate an underlying medical condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, and certain vitamin deficiencies can all cause pins and needles sensations in the arms. If you have persistent pins and needles, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any serious conditions.
Spinal traction is a method used to relieve back pain and other problems associated with the spine. The goal of spinal traction is to stretch the spine and take pressure off the nerves. This can help to relieve pain and improve function. Spinal traction is typically done with a machine that pulls on the spine from different angles. The person receiving treatment will lie on a table or bed, and straps will be used to hold them in place. The machine will then slowly pull on the spine, stretching it out. Spinal traction is usually done for 15-30 minutes at a time. It may be done once or twice a day for several days or weeks. Some people may need ongoing treatment to maintain relief from their symptoms. If you are considering spinal traction for your back pain, talk to your doctor to see if it is right.