I was diagnosed with TN in 1998 and immediately began looking for alternative health care options. I did take Tegretol which was helpful, but made me groggy. After reading about the possible damage to the liver, I was determined to find other treatment. I started right away with acupuncture and upper cervical chiropractic. I got some relief though not immediate. Since that time, I have continued with both treatments as well as some diet changes and supplements.

I have had several remissions through the years and currently have been pain free and medication free for 16 months. I do take herbs provided by my acupuncturist. I have to cook them into a tea and drink 1 glass a day. If I get any tingling or other symptoms, I drink it up to 3 times per day. Also, if I get any tingling, I go straight to the chiropractor and usually my neck is "out" and he fixes me up and the pain goes away. My last "episode" was from Oct. 2002 - April 2003 and was really very minor compared to previous bouts. So the combination of chiropractic and traditional Chinese medicine is working for me. Unfortunately my insurance does not pay for the acupuncture, but I'm managing!!