Exercises for Trigeminal neuralgia???
Will exercise not trigger a Trigeminal neuralgia attack?
If one looks at the trigger factors, one would logically conclude that massage or exercise would be the furthest treatment possible! This is one more therapy that may be used as an adjunct to non-medical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.
Typically light touch seems to trigger the pain of Trigeminal neuralgia. Whereas massage and exercise both use deep pressure or touch. This stimulates different nerve pathways and may therefore not cause pain.
A few of the patients relate that rubbing the affected part of the face during an attack reduces the intensity or aborts an attack. However, most patients are apprehensive of the first touch and prefer not to trigger off an attack.
Massaging the neck and shoulders helps relax the muscles and reduces the stress of pain. This may be of limited use.
Yoga again could be of use potentially by helping develop better breathing and by causing relaxation.
Are there any specific exercises to treat Trigeminal neuralgia?
Unfortunately, no. having said that, some people benefit from non-impact exercises that release the feel-good hormones(endorphins), some prefer massages as a relaxation technique, yet others have benefited from Yoga. Each patient should experiment with a type of exercise and see what works best for them.
When can I resume exercises after Microvascular decompression surgery?
It is safe to begin walks for about half an hour or so, about two weeks after microvascular decompression surgery. In fact, you will be made to walk on the very next day after operation, if you are not dizzy. You will be asked to stay away from heavy exercises and long periods of walking till about three months or so.
Dr Jaydev Panchwagh recommends some form of aerobic activity after the operation. Exercises like walking on level ground, that is not too stressful is highly beneficial for recovery as well.
Heavy weights and multi-directional movement will be allowed only after a few months.