If you’ve ever dealt with sudden, electric-shock-like facial pain that seems to come out of nowhere, you already know how disruptive trigeminal neuralgia can be. A gust of wind, brushing your teeth, or even smiling can trigger a jolt of pain so intense that everyday life starts to feel like walking on eggshells. Most people search high and low for answers, bouncing between dentists, ENTs, and neurologists before anyone mentions the neck.
At Desoto Upper Cervical in Southaven, MS, Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer look at facial pain from a different angle. Instead of only asking “what’s happening in the face?” they ask “what’s happening at the top of the spine?” It’s a subtle shift in perspective, but for many people it opens up a piece of the puzzle that’s easy to miss.
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What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, the main nerve responsible for sensation in the face. It’s often described as one of the most painful conditions a person can experience, with episodes that feel like stabbing, burning, or electrical shocks along the cheek, jaw, lips, gums, or forehead. Episodes can last a few seconds or several minutes, and they tend to come in unpredictable waves.
Common triggers include:
- Light touch to the face, such as shaving or applying makeup
- Chewing, talking, or brushing teeth
- Cold air or wind against the skin
- Smiling or other facial movement
Because the pain often mimics dental pain, sinus issues, or TMJ dysfunction, trigeminal neuralgia is frequently misdiagnosed at first. It’s a serious neurological condition, and we always want to be upfront that a proper diagnosis from a physician or neurologist is an essential first step. What we offer isn’t a replacement for that diagnostic process — it’s a look at a structural factor that’s often overlooked once a diagnosis is in hand.
The Upper Cervical Connection: Why the Neck Matters for Facial Pain
Here’s where anatomy gets interesting. The trigeminal nerve doesn’t just live in the face — its sensory pathway, called the spinal trigeminal tract, actually extends down through the brainstem and into the upper cervical spinal cord, reaching as low as the C2 and even C3 level. This means the nerve fibers carrying facial pain signals physically converge with the nerve fibers coming from the upper neck.
This overlap is sometimes called the trigemino-cervical complex, and it’s the reason irritation or misalignment at the top of the spine can influence how the brain processes facial sensation. When the atlas (C1) or axis (C2) shifts out of proper alignment, it can create tension, inflammation, and abnormal input into this shared neurological pathway. For some people, that input contributes to the kind of heightened nerve sensitivity seen in trigeminal neuralgia and related facial pain syndromes.
This is also part of why so many people with upper cervical misalignments report a tangle of overlapping symptoms — facial pain alongside headaches, jaw tightness, or neck stiffness. The nervous system doesn’t separate these regions as neatly as we tend to think.
Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology: Precision Matters
At Desoto Upper Cervical, Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer use two highly precise, research-driven techniques: Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology. Both methods are built around detailed imaging and measurement of the atlas vertebra’s exact position, rather than a generalized approach to the spine.
Atlas Orthogonal uses a percussion instrument to deliver a gentle, calculated correction with no twisting or forceful thrusting involved. Orthospinology uses a precise, low-force adjustment based on detailed x-ray analysis of the craniocervical junction. Both approaches share the same underlying goal: restoring the atlas to its correct position relative to the skull and the rest of the spine, so the nervous system can function the way it’s designed to.
Because the correction is so specific, patients often describe the adjustments as subtle rather than dramatic — yet the structural change at C1 can have a ripple effect on nearby neurological pathways, including the trigemino-cervical complex involved in facial pain.
What Upper Cervical Care Can and Cannot Do
We want to be honest with you: upper cervical chiropractic is not a cure for trigeminal neuralgia, and it isn’t a substitute for medical management. Trigeminal neuralgia has multiple possible causes, including vascular compression of the nerve, and some cases genuinely require medication or surgical intervention to manage effectively.
What upper cervical care addresses is one specific piece of the picture — the structural and neurological contribution from the craniocervical junction. For patients whose facial pain is connected to, or aggravated by, upper cervical misalignment, correcting that alignment may reduce nervous system irritation and, in some cases, ease the frequency or intensity of flare-ups. Every case is different, and results vary. We always encourage patients to keep working with their neurologist or physician throughout care, and we’re happy to coordinate with your medical team when appropriate.
Could Your Neck Be Part of the Picture? A Self-Check
Facial pain has many possible sources, but the following signs suggest your upper cervical spine may be worth a closer look:
- Your facial pain is accompanied by neck stiffness, tension, or a history of whiplash or head/neck trauma
- You notice your head tilts or tips slightly to one side when you look in the mirror
- You also deal with frequent headaches, migraines, or tension at the base of your skull
- Your symptoms seem to shift or intensify with certain neck positions or after long periods at a desk
- Previous dental, sinus, or TMJ treatments haven’t resolved the issue
- You’ve had a car accident, fall, or sports injury at some point in your history, even years ago
If several of these sound familiar, a precise evaluation of your atlas alignment may be a worthwhile next step alongside your medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can upper cervical chiropractic care cure trigeminal neuralgia?
No form of chiropractic care can guarantee a cure for trigeminal neuralgia, since the condition can have several underlying causes. What upper cervical chiropractic care can do is address structural misalignment at the top of the spine that may be contributing to nerve irritation in the trigemino-cervical pathway. It’s best viewed as a complementary approach alongside your medical care, not a replacement for it.
2. Is Atlas Orthogonal or Orthospinology painful?
Both techniques are known for being gentle and precise. Atlas Orthogonal uses a light percussion instrument, and Orthospinology uses a low-force, carefully measured correction. Neither involves the twisting or popping associated with general spinal manipulation, which makes both approaches well-suited for patients who are already dealing with heightened facial or nerve sensitivity.
3. How is the exact position of my atlas determined?
Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer use detailed diagnostic imaging to measure the precise angle and direction of any atlas misalignment before any correction is made. This isn’t a guessing game — it’s a measured, individualized process that shows exactly how your atlas has shifted, so the correction can be tailored specifically to you.
4. How many visits will I need to see if this approach helps my symptoms?
This varies from person to person depending on how long the misalignment has been present and how the body responds to correction. Many patients begin to notice changes within the first several visits, but sustainable results typically involve a series of visits as the spine and surrounding soft tissue adapt to a corrected position. We’ll discuss a realistic timeline for your specific situation at your consultation.
5. Should I stop taking my prescribed medication if I try upper cervical care?
No. Please continue following your neurologist’s or physician’s guidance regarding medication and treatment. Upper cervical care is meant to work alongside your medical management, not replace it. Any changes to medication should always be discussed with the prescribing doctor.
6. What causes upper cervical misalignment in the first place?
Misalignment of the atlas can stem from a wide range of events, including car accidents, sports injuries, falls, poor posture over time, or even the birth process. Many people carry a misalignment for years without realizing it, since the body often compensates in ways that mask the underlying issue until symptoms like facial pain or headaches surface.
7. How do I know if Desoto Upper Cervical is the right fit for my situation?
The best way to find out is a consultation. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer will review your history, discuss your current medical care, and determine whether a precise atlas evaluation makes sense for you. If upper cervical misalignment doesn’t appear to be a contributing factor, we’ll tell you honestly and help point you toward the right next step.
Take the Next Step
Living with trigeminal neuralgia or unexplained facial pain is exhausting, and you deserve a thorough look at every piece of the puzzle. If you’re in the Southaven, MS area and want to find out whether your upper cervical spine is playing a role in your symptoms, Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer at Desoto Upper Cervical are here to help.
Desoto Upper Cervical
1134 Church Rd W, Southaven, MS 38671
Phone: (662) 393-4848
Website: www.desotouppercervical.com
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Call us today at (662) 393-4848 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward understanding your facial pain from the inside out.
