Unexplained Facial Pain – A Testimonial
June - Herkimer, NY - February 2007
Four years ago I thought I had a toothache. I had dull pain in the upper right side of my face. I went to the dentist. No cavities, but an old root chip could be seen on the x-ray. He sent me to the oral surgeon. After more x-rays he found abnormal bone growth called exostosis. He shaved it down and removed the bone chip. It was the worst pain in my life!
One month later, back to the oral surgeon. I had a cat scan, thinking I may have had a sinus infection. No sinus infection. Back to the dentist. X-rays detect another root chip, so back to the oral surgeon. He disagrees and tells me I do not need surgery. On my own again, I ask my primary care office to give me a referral for a neurologist. He prescribes Tegritol and Neurontin. Both made me dizzy and sick.
Once Western medicine utilizes an MRI exam to rule out a physical obstruction pressing on the trigeminal nerve or multiple sclerosis, which can mimic the same symptoms, the choice of treatment is drug therapy to control the pain. Often drugs such as Tegritol or Neurontin can control the pain, but not without the significant risk of side effects ranging from dizziness and nausea to serious heart, liver, kidney and blood complications. Occasionally, surgical intervention is the last resort to provide relief.
But acupuncture can also treat digestive disorders such as nausea, acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome. It is commonly used to treat asthma and sinus problems. Acupuncture is very powerful to treat gynecological problems including PMS, menopausal symptoms, endometriosis and even infertility.