[Bob_S]

1. topical ointments, patches, and nasal sprays (Capsaisin, lidocaine, &c)

2. vitamin supplements (B-vitamins especially B12, D, H, potassium)

3. herbal remedies (often contain small amounts of same substances)

4. diet, avoid:
- Salt & foods high in salt like prepared foods.
- Saturated fats, mostly from animal sources like meat, eggs and some vegetable oils.
- Sugars and foods high in sugar like candy, cakes, cookies, etc.
- Stimulants including coffee, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol & cigarettes.

5. musculo-skeletal treatments (chiropractic, myotherapy, osteopathy) - works some for atypical neuralgias, but not classic TN

6. nerve stimulation/blocking (accupuncture, laser stim, TENS)

7. coping skills (self-hypnosis, counseling, stress management, pain management, support groups, &c)

8. Outlets for expression (give you back some kind of a life).

Degree, frequency, quality of pain, tolerance to pain, tolerance to medication, response to alternatives, and surgical probability for success are just some of the factors determining the right answer for you. Whether surgery, medication, alternate treatment or pain management, or a combination, the choice will be entirely personal. What ever helps you manage your pain to your tolerance level is worth pursuing.

Avoid high doses of medication that become as much a problem as the pain they control. Try supplementing medication with alternatives to reduce the amount of medication you have to take.

Attitude and outlook are just as more important as treatment. Don't forget to work on your attitude. Avoid feeling despondent or isolated; and, if you feel yourself slipping, don't be afraid to ask for help.