Facial nerve pain · Murray Hill, NYC
Trigeminal Neuralgia Care in NYC
It hits without warning: a jolt of pain in your cheek, jaw, or teeth that feels like an electric shock. Brushing your teeth, chewing, talking, or even a light breeze can set it off. Then it disappears until the next attack.
Dr. Alex Kaminsky, D.C., is a Certified Craniosacral Therapist and a licensed chiropractor since 2000. At his office in Murray Hill, he offers gentle craniosacral therapy (CST) for this kind of facial nerve pain. His care works alongside the care you get from your neurologist.
CST is not a cure, and it does not replace medical treatment. It is a calm, light-touch approach intended to ease tension throughout the head and neck.
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve condition that causes sudden, severe, shock-like pain on one side of the face. The trigeminal nerve carries feeling from your face to your brain. Its three branches cover the forehead and eye area, the cheek and upper jaw, and the lower jaw.
Each attack usually lasts from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. Attacks can come in clusters, then fade for weeks or even months.
Common triggers include:
- Brushing your teeth or washing your face
- Chewing, talking, or smiling
- Shaving or putting on makeup
- A light touch or a cold wind on the face
In many cases, the underlying cause is a blood vessel pressing against the nerve near the base of the brain.
Is It a Toothache?
Because the pain often strikes the jaw, teeth, or gums, many people see a dentist first, and any dental problem should be ruled out first. But if your teeth check out fine and the pain is brief, sharp, and set off by light touch, ask your doctor whether a nerve problem could be the cause.
Medical Care Comes First
A doctor or neurologist should confirm the diagnosis, and an MRI is often part of the workup. The standard first treatment is anti-seizure medication, such as carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine. If medication stops working or causes problems, surgery called microvascular decompression is an option. Please keep any treatment your doctors have recommended.
How Dr. Kaminsky Approaches Facial Nerve Pain
The head, neck, and jaw
In Dr. Kaminsky's view, tension in the upper neck, the jaw, and the tissues around the skull can add strain to the nerves of the face. For some people, a past injury such as whiplash may also play a part. He works gently in these areas using light-touch CST. There is no cracking or twisting.
Working around your trigger zones
Dr. Kaminsky does work gently on the face. If a touch sets off pain, he simply moves his hands to a different area of the head, neck, or face. Then he lets the nervous system calm down. It helps to tell him where your trigger spots are before your session.
Honest expectations
There is no strong research on CST for this condition. Dr. Kaminsky's care is meant to support you alongside your medical treatment. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
A Note for New York Winters
Cold wind on the face is a well-known trigger. When winter wind whips down the avenues, covering your cheeks and jaw with a scarf is a simple step that may spare you an attack on the walk to work.
What to Expect at Your Visit
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1HistoryDr. Kaminsky asks when the pain started, what sets it off, and what your doctors have found. Bring your diagnosis, imaging reports, and medication list. Here's more on what happens at a first visit.
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2Gentle hands-on careYou stay fully clothed and lie on a padded table. Light-touch CST focuses on the head, neck, face, and sacrum. Tell Dr. Kaminsky about your trigger zones before you begin.
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3A planDr. Kaminsky will talk with you about how you felt and suggest how often to come in.
Why People Choose Dr. Kaminsky
- Gentle around sensitive areas: Care is slow and light, with no cracking.
- Two kinds of training: He is a chiropractor and a Certified Craniosacral Therapist (CST-T, Upledger).
- After-work hours: Appointments run until 9 pm Monday through Thursday at 36 East 36th Street in Murray Hill.
See related care for TMJ and jaw pain, migraine and headache, and chronic neck pain, or read about Dr. Kaminsky's training and background.
Cost and Payment
The office does not take insurance. You'll get an itemized superbill for possible out-of-network refunds. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. See current rates on our cost page.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can craniosacral therapy cure trigeminal neuralgia?
No. CST aims to ease tension in the head and neck and support a calmer nervous system. It works alongside medical care, not in place of it.
Should I stop my medication?
No. Never stop or change your medication without first talking to the doctor who prescribed it.
Is trigeminal neuralgia the same as TMJ?
No. TMJ problems usually cause an aching jaw, clicking, or pain with chewing. Trigeminal neuralgia causes brief, shock-like pain that light touch can set off.
Will treatment touch my face?
Yes, gently. If a touch sets off pain, Dr. Kaminsky moves his hands to another area and lets the nervous system calm down. Let him know where your trigger spots are before you start.
Do you have evening appointments?
Yes. Appointments run until 9 pm Monday through Thursday and until 6 pm on Friday. All visits are by appointment.
Schedule a visit
Call to Schedule
If facial nerve pain is running your life, call or text 212-328-1180 to talk with Dr. Kaminsky. Visits are by appointment at 36 East 36th Street in Murray Hill.