Trigeminal Neuralgia & Migraines: Why Face Pain Often Starts in the Neck

If you experience stabbing, burning, or behind-the-eye pain—and have been told it’s trigeminal neuralgia or a migraine—this episode will help you understand what may really be happening. Dr. Taves breaks down the trigeminal nerve, its three branches, and how the trigeminal pathway connects facial pain with the upper neck and brainstem. You’ll learn why the trigeminal nerve is often blamed for migraines and facial pain, why pain perception isn’t always a reliable indicator of tissue damage, and how neck dysfunction can trigger the brain to interpret pain as coming from the eye, temple, jaw, or forehead. This episode also explains why common migraine models often label neck pain as “secondary,” and why a more complete view of referral patterns and neuroanatomy may unlock real long-term relief. Novera: Headache Center