A Natural Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Treatment

What is Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia?

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare but painful disorder of the ninth cranial nerve. This nerve is located in the neck, and it is involved in both vocal coordination and swallowing sensation. It is also responsible for the sensation of taste and smell.

Signs and Symptoms of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

The signs and symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia vary from person to person and depend on the location and severity of the nerve irritation. The following are the most common signs and symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia: pain in the throat and neck, difficulty swallowing or talking, a feeling of fullness in the throat and neck, and vocal difficulties. Some people also experience a burning sensation on the skin of the face and neck.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Effects Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

The upper cervical spine is an important set of seven vertebrae located at the top of the spine, starting from the skull and extending into the neck. Due to its proximity to the brainstem and central nervous system (CNS), the upper cervical spine plays a key role in the proper function of the craniofacial nerve system. 

The upper cervical spine is subjected to a variety of stresses, many of which can lead to injury or vertebral misalignment. Left untreated, upper cervical spine misalignments can produce inflammation and muscle tension around the brainstem and CNS. Depending on the position and severity of the misalignment, this can cause compression of the craniofacial nerve, which can lead to the development of glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

How Our Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Treatment Works

The first step in our glossopharyngeal neuralgia treatment is to determine the source of the misalignment. To do so, our expert chiropractors, Dr. Hoefer will examine the upper cervical spine using digital X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans.

After analyzing this information, Dr. Hoefer will correct any misalignments by performing a series of painless, non-invasive upper cervical chiropractic adjustments. By reducing the stresses on the upper cervical spine, this adjustment will help to reduce the degree of inflammation and muscle tension around the brainstem and CNS, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

If you’re tired of suffering from glossopharyngeal neuralgia, we can help! Dr. Hoefer services patients in Orange County, including Anaheim, Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.