What is Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia, or GPN, is a neurological disorder characterized by pain on one or both sides of the throat. The pain is described as a sharp, stabbing sensation, and it can vary in intensity from mild to severe. The pain may be constant, or it may occur in short bursts.
Signs and Symptoms of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
The main symptom of GPN is the previously mentioned sharp, stabbing pain in the throat. Other common symptoms include numbness of the tongue, difficulty swallowing, burning in the throat, and the sensation of a lump in the throat.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
The upper cervical spine comprises the top seven vertebrae in the neck. These bones are unique in that they are attached to the skull, rather than to each other. As a result, the upper cervical spine has a high concentration of nerves that travel to the head and face, which is why the upper cervical spine is often the underlying cause of GPN.
The exact cause of GPN is not known. However, it is commonly thought that the disorder is caused by pressure on the spinal nerves that run through the upper cervical region of the spine. The nerves are responsible for transmitting sensory impulses from the mouth and throat to the brain. When these nerves are compressed, it causes the pain in the mouth and throat that is associated with GPN.
How Our Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Treatment Works
Upper cervical chiropractic care is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that focuses on the upper portion of the spine. The goal of the treatment is to reduce nerve pressure by adjusting the alignment of the upper cervical vertebrae. By restoring proper alignment, pressure on the spinal nerves is reduced and symptoms of GPN are eased.
To treat GPN, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Bello, will use a range of non-invasive chiropractic corrections to restore natural alignment along the spinal column and correct any misalignments in the upper cervical spine. Depending on the severity of your misalignment, we may need to use cone-beam computed tomography scans and X-rays to pinpoint the exact angle and location of the affected vertebra. In addition to relieving GPN symptoms, upper cervical chiropractic care can also help relieve associated conditions, such as headaches, migraines, and TMJ dysfunction.
If you’re looking for a natural and alternative treatment for glossopharyngeal neuralgia, Dr. Bello can help. He provides treatment for GPN in Culver City, West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Los Angeles, Westwood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, and the surrounding areas.