Sinus Headaches
It’s that time of the year! As spring approaches, the days get longer, the weather is warmer but pollen our unwanted friend circulates the air. This can lead to a phenomenon called sinus headaches. No fret! – here at My Sports Chiropractor our team can help with this.
So, what are sinus headaches and how can we help?
Sinus headaches are a common type of headache that arise due to inflammation in the sinus cavities. These cavities sit in our skull and are air filled, when inflamed they can lead to increased pressure in our head, cheeks and nasal area (1). Symptoms are characterised by blockage, congestion, discharge, facial pain/ pressure, loss of smell etc (1). Sinus headaches can have many physical manifestations such as muscle tightness, joint stiffness and postural misalignment (2). Chiropractic therapies most definitely can assist with this.
Chiropractic care can assist with the physical manifestations of sinus headaches through various strategies including:
1. Postural Alignment: Misalignments in the spine, particularly in the neck, jaw and upper back, can affect the nervous system and contribute to sinus congestion. Chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper alignment, promoting better nerve function and therefore potentially reducing pressure on the sinuses (3).
2. Pressure release/ Muscle relaxation: Soft tissue releases around the sinus cavities can help relax the muscles around the sinuses, reducing tension and improving blood flow. This can potentially improve drainage of the sinuses (4).
3. Breathing exercises: Exercise can be prescribed that promote air flow and help open the nasal passage.
4. Education: Advice regarding pain management and self-guided strategies can be provided by chiropractors.
Some self-guided sinus release strategies include:
1. Frontal sinus release:
• Place your fingertips: Using your index and middle fingers, place them on
your forehead, just above your eyebrows.
• Apply gentle pressure: Press lightly and move your fingers in small, circular
motions. Gradually move your fingers up towards your hairline.
• Repeat: Continue this motion for about 1-2 minutes. This helps stimulate
circulation in the forehead and may relieve pressure.
2. Maxillary sinus release:
• Place your fingertips: Using your index and middle fingers, place them along
your cheeks around your nose
• Apply gentle pressure: Press lightly and move your fingers in small, circular
motions. Gradually move your fingers along your cheekbone.
• Repeat: This can help promote the flow of mucus and improve sinus drainage.
Perform this massage for 2-3 minutes.
It’s important to note that chiropractic care should be considered as a complementary therapy. If you’re experiencing persistent sinus headaches, it’s essential to consult with a GP or ENT to rule out any underlying medical conditions and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
1. Petersen SM, Jull GA, Learman KE. Self-reported sinus headaches are associated with neck pain and cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction: a preliminary observational case control study. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2019 Aug 8;27(4):245-52.
2. Jayawardena AD, Chandra R. Headaches and facial pain in rhinology. American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy. 2018 Jan;32(1):12-5.
3. Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, Marcoux H, Potter B, Ruegg R, Shaw L, Watkin R, White E. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics. 2011 Jun 1;34(5):274-89.
4. Moore C, Leaver A, Sibbritt D, Adams J. The management of common recurrent headaches by chiropractors: a descriptive analysis of a nationally representative survey. BMC neurology. 2018 Dec;18:1-9.
