Inflammation, Steroids, and Anti-Inflammatory Living: Understanding Prednisone and Trigeminal Neuralgia Type 2
Living with Trigeminal Neuralgia Type 2 (TN2) means navigating a world of chronic nerve pain, facial pressure, and unpredictable flare-ups. One of the key contributors to these symptoms is inflammation. Understanding how inflammation interacts with TN2, and how steroids like prednisone can help (or complicate) that interaction, is essential for building a lifestyle that supports healing.
In this post, we’ll explore the role of inflammatory responses, medical steroid interventions, and natural anti-inflammatory strategies you can implement without breaking the bank.
What Is Inflammation and Why Does It Matter in TN2?
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. It signals the immune system to send white blood cells to the affected area to begin repair. However, in chronic conditions like TN2, this response can become dysregulated, leading to excessive or prolonged inflammation.
For those with TN2, this can result in:
Increased nerve sensitivity
Heightened facial pain and pressure
Flare-ups triggered by weather, stress, or illness
What Is Prednisone and How Does It Work?
Prednisone is a corticosteroid—a synthetic version of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. It reduces inflammation by suppressing the immune system’s activity. In the context of TN2, prednisone can help bring down facial swelling, reduce nerve inflammation, and shorten the duration of a flare-up.
Other Steroids Commonly Used for Inflammatory Flares:
Dexamethasone: Often used when a more potent, fast-acting steroid is needed.
Methylprednisolone (Medrol): Sometimes used in a “dose pack” for short-term flare control.
Hydrocortisone: Milder but still effective in certain inflammatory conditions.
While steroids can offer significant relief, they also come with side effects such as increased blood sugar, insomnia, mood swings, and long-term risks like bone thinning. That’s why many patients seek out complementary lifestyle strategies.
The Anti-Inflammatory Diet: A Natural Ally
Food is one of the most powerful tools we have to control inflammation.
Core Principles:
Avoid processed foods and refined sugars
Embrace whole foods: fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean proteins
Incorporate omega-3 rich foods like flaxseed, walnuts, and wild-caught salmon
Eliminate or reduce dairy and gluten (common triggers)
Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Teas (Easy to Make at Home):
Ginger + Turmeric + Lemon: Great for systemic inflammation
Chamomile + Lavender: Helps with stress-induced inflammation
Peppermint + Licorice Root: Soothes the nervous system and supports digestion
What Is an Alkaline Lifestyle?
An alkaline diet focuses on foods that help maintain a slightly higher pH level in the body. The idea is that certain foods can reduce acidity and therefore lower inflammation.
Alkaline Foods Include:
Leafy greens
Cucumber
Avocado
Bananas
Almonds
Herbal teas
Where to Get It:
Farmer’s markets or local co-ops
Discount produce boxes (like Misfits Market or Imperfect Foods)
Bulk bins at health food stores
🌬️ What Are Oxygen Tablets?
Oxygen tablets, also called oxygenated bath tablets or oxygen spa tabs, are small, usually effervescent tablets you drop into warm bath water. When they dissolve, they release oxygen into the water and onto your skin—like a mini oxygen therapy session at home.
🧪 How Do They Work?
These tablets usually contain:
Magnesium peroxide or sodium percarbonate (oxygen-releasing compounds)
Natural salts (like Epsom or sea salt)
Sometimes baking soda, essential oils, or skin-soothing herbs
When they hit water, a chemical reaction releases oxygen molecules, which get absorbed into the skin and bloodstream. It’s like giving your cells a breath of fresh air (literally).
🌈 Benefits:
Increases circulation (which helps reduce nerve pain & flare-ups)
Supports skin healing (eczema, rashes, post-surgical incisions)
Boosts detox by oxygenating tissues and pulling out impurities
Soothes muscle & joint pain
Boosts energy after a long flare
Some say it helps fight bacteria and inflammation
🛁 What About Oxygen Bath Bombs?
Think: oxygen tablets + spa-level vibes.
These are bath bombs infused with oxygen-releasing ingredients plus:
Essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, mint = yes please)
Moisturizers (like coconut oil or shea butter)
Color or shimmer (if you’re feeling ✨extra✨)
They fizz up just like a regular bath bomb but have that added oxygenation effect, which is AMAZING for people with:
Trigeminal neuralgia
Fibromyalgia
Autoimmune flares
Chronic fatigue
Or anyone just feeling sluggish and “stuck” energetically or physically
🛍️ Where To Find:
Amazon: Search “oxygen bath tablets” or “oxygen bath bombs”
Health food stores: Especially ones that carry therapeutic spa products
Etsy: For handmade versions with herbal blends (ask about ingredients and be CAREFUL!)
DIY: You can totally make your own with baking soda, citric acid, magnesium peroxide, and essential oils (I’ll send you a recipe if you want!)
Affordable Ways to Live an Anti-Inflammatory Life:
Cook at home in batches: Big pots of veggie-based soups or stews can be frozen for later.
Hydrate with intention: Add lemon or cucumber to water to reduce acidity.
Stretch and move gently: Gentle yoga or walking helps move lymph and reduce inflammation.
Sleep hygiene: Deep sleep is when your body heals. Create a calming nighttime routine.
Stress management: Meditation, journaling, and breathwork all help lower cortisol levels.
Managing TN2 is a complex journey, but understanding inflammation—and how to reduce it—is a powerful first step. Whether through medication like prednisone or natural lifestyle shifts, you can support your body in meaningful ways. Healing is not linear, but with each mindful choice, you get a little closer to balance and relief.
Stay strong, stay curious, advocate for yourself, do your own research, and be kind to your nervous system. 🌸
With Love,
Dana & Nicky
