Bollywood icon Salman Khan openly revealed his struggle with trigeminal neuralgia, a condition known as the “suicide disease” due to its excruciating facial pain  The chronic nerve disorder causes sudden, electric‐shock jolts across the jaw, cheek, or forehead, triggered by simple actions like talking, eating, or feeling a breeze. And his struggle for the pain management therapies so here are the few alternative therapies to the conventional pain management.

Salman first faced this pain during the shooting of Partner in 2007. He sought surgery in 2011 and later shared his ongoing battle during a candid appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show

Despite the agony, he continues performing high‑energy roles, even while managing other serious health issues like a brain aneurysm and AV malformation

Conventional Treatments

Doctors typically prescribe medications like anticonvulsants or muscle relaxants to reduce nerve pain. When drugs aren’t enough, surgical options—such as microvascular decompression or gamma knife surgery may relieve nerve pressure. These methods aim to control pain but can have side effects or risks.

Alternative Therapies for Pain Relief

Many patients seek complementary options alongside traditional treatment to manage symptoms more naturally. Here are some alternative therapies that may help:

1. Acupuncture uses tiny needles inserted at specific points to stimulate the release of pain-relieving chemicals like serotonin and endorphins. This method may reduce pain intensity and frequency.
2. Herbal Oils such as peppermint and lavender can soothe nerve pain when applied carefully. While studies are limited, these oils offer a natural way to calm discomfort.
3. Yoga and Meditation reduce stress, which often triggers flare-ups. Gentle yoga improves blood flow and eases muscle tension around the nerve, while meditation helps manage pain perception.
4. Chiropractic Care aims to relieve nerve compression by adjusting the neck and upper spine. Some patients find relief as better spinal alignment improves nerve function.
5. Nutrition Therapy focuses on anti-inflammatory foods and supplements like omega-3 fatty acids to reduce nerve inflammation and pain.
6. Aromatherapy and Guided Imagery use scents and mental visualization to distract the mind from pain and lower anxiety, promoting overall well-being.

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While conventional treatments remain the first line of defense, these alternative approaches offer additional options to ease trigeminal neuralgia pain naturally. Anyone with this condition should consult a healthcare professional before trying new therapies.

Salman Khan’s condition highlights the challenges of living with trigeminal neuralgia and the growing interest in holistic pain management methods.

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