Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain disorder that causes sudden, severe facial pain. It's also known as tic douloureux, Fothergill disease, or trifacial neuralgia. SymptomsSudden, severe, stabbing, or electric-like pain in the face Pain that's usually felt in the lower part of the face Pain that can affect one or both sides of the face Pain that can last from a few seconds to two minutes Pain that can occur over and over again several times a day Causes Compression of the trigeminal nerve by an artery or veinInjury or nerve lesionHigh blood pressureSmokingAgingFemale sexFamily history of TNTreatment MedicationsSurgeryBotulinum toxin injections or nerve blocksAcupunctureBiofeedbackPsychotherapy (talk therapy)YogaMeditationAromatherapy

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a painful condition that occurs after a shingles rash has healed. It's caused by damage to nerves from the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Symptoms Pain that feels burning, aching, sharp, or jabbingTenderness to light touchItching or loss of feelingFatigue and sleeping difficultiesMuscle weakness or paralysis in rare casesRisk factorsAge: People over 50 are more likely to develop PHN. Shingles: About 10–18% of people who have shingles also develop PHN. Immunocompromised states: The risk of PHN increases for people with compromised immune systems.

Nonsurgical management of neck pain, facial pain, headache, migraine, and lower back pain typically includes: physical therapy, medication, heat/cold therapy, lifestyle modifications like posture correction, stress management techniques, massage, acupuncture, and in some cases, nerve blocks or injections depending on the severity and cause of the pain. Specific treatments for each area:Neck pain:Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen neck muscles, improve range of motion, and address posture issues. Massage therapy: To release muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Heat/cold therapy: Applying heat packs or ice packs to the affected area. Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs or acetaminophen. Facial pain:Trigger point injections: Injections at specific points on the face to alleviate muscle tension. Botox injections: Can be used to temporarily paralyze overactive facial muscles causing pain. Dental evaluation: To rule out dental issues as a source of facial pain.