Outside of medications, have you found ways to calm down the TN beast?

I don't quite understand this one myself, since I've been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which is notoriously the disease of heat intolerance... but when I get severe pain from TN, getting into a steaming hot bath calms down the pain for me. I'd even go as far as saying it's more beneficial for me than the medications have been.

I had horrendous pain earlier today, and I soaked tonight for 1 hour. By the end of the bath, the pain had almost completely subsided (this is Atypical TN mind you).

I use a lot of distraction techniques such as grabbing some ice cubes and holding them in my hand, placing an ice brick on my face, meditation when I can get my mind there, moist heat, and I've also used steam. I guess I just try to divert my mind from focusing on the pain until it runs it course.

I lay my head on a heating pad, the heat just feels so good and I wear a tobagon as well! I had been having trouble with taking a shower too, mainly b/c it was so painful, but my husband bought an awesome new shower head that was as soft as rain, so I turn up the hot water as much as I can stand and just let the water run, it def makes me feel better, so I know what u are describing! I have atypical TN as well!

With that, into the bath I go. It started snowing again today and my TN got kicked up again. Ugh. Even the right side is feeling crummy. At least it's not the same intensity as yesterday (which was almost unbearable).

my numbness/tingling is quite often becoming bothersome, I am on neurontin now for the tingling pain part. which works wonders for me...but even the numbness feeling is sooo very bothersome. I try to ignore it, keeping busy. Cant do too hot of a shower, then I will be not only numb but weak too.
hugsss,sarah

3 anticonvulsants failed me, including Neurontin .

It's weird to have MS and seek out heat for symptoms that's for sure . Even if other symptoms flare up after a hot bath, they must be so minor I don't notice them.

Yep with my ear pain, heat is the only relief I get - tegretol seems to be ineffective. I have one of those crescent shaped aromatherapy bags that you put in the microwave. It wraps around and cradles the side of my face and it feels so good. I have some heated ear warmers that I keep at work - but so far I have been lucky to not need them, but I am sure I will eventually.

Rhonda

Tricks to fight the monster pain.
Hot bath, heating pad/hot water bottle is my top thing.

I have healing touch done 1 time a month. its kinda like reiki
they are offering this in hosp now as an option along with or other then meds. It cost $ tho .

I cover my face with bandana or face mask if cold or windy.

sometimes I walk bare foot on hot cement sidewalk then come home and stck feet in icey water and then hot water and clean feet. like ice water then hot then ice cold water. messes with the mind a bit and my thoughts arent so consintrated on 24/7 face pain.

I hear of others who use hot pepper cream on the painful area.

Meditation is another one I find helpful, breathing exercises to relax and de-stress.

Music and art though they may not make pain go away it helps me " get it out" sort to speak and I feel better somehow. Not as frustrated or angry or upset. If that makes any sense . stress and worry can really feed the pain monster.

This is a great thread and will help others. If I come across more things that others find helpful I will add them.

Low pain wishes to all of you.
PEACE
BMW

Definitely warnth.....aroma heat pad, tea, rice, laying my face on my dog's fur, and (believe it or not) smoking.

I believe it. I quit smoking in September 08... so only 4 months ago, and since I quit my TN has been kicked up fierce.

I wouldn't go back to smoking personally, but I do agree that it did calm down the pain for me at times.