• Cramer J
• Persky A

• Adult
• Affiliation / Private Practice of Chiropractic
• Affiliation(G) / United States / Michigan / Troy
• Affiliation(G) / United States / Minnesota / Stillwater
• Cervical Atlas
• Electromyography
• Female
• Grostic Technique
• NUCCA Technique
• Trigeminal Neuralgia

Objective:  To report on positive health outcomes in the case of a 62-year-old female diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia undergoing upper cervical chiropractic care.

Clinical Features:  A 62-year-old female presented to the clinic with a chief complaint of chronic right sided facial pain of 2 years duration.  Following the initial examination the patient was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia.

Intervention & Outcomes:  The patient received upper cervical-specific chiropractic care using the NUCCA technique.  Twenty-six adjustments were performed over the course of six months.  SOAP notes and surface electromyography were utilized to assess initial status and progress.  Significant reductions in episodic frequency, duration and affected area were realized through this non-invasive approach.

Conclusions:  The results from this case, when evaluated in the context of similar evidence, suggests that upper cervical-specific treatment for reduction and/or correction of atlas subluxation can produce positive outcomes in patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia.  These findings highlight the importance of further investigation of the atlas subluxation complex and its relationship to trigeminal neuralgia.

Author Keywords:  Trigeminal Neuralgia, Upper Cervical, NUCCA, Grostic, Vertebral subluxation, Atlas Subluxation Complex, Adjustment

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