How Chiropractic Can Relieve Your Sinus Problems

With cold and flu season still upon us and allergy season just starting, many people are suffering from sinus pain and congestion that can also result in ear pain, achy teeth and drainage at the back of your throat. Did you know there is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to relieving your sinuses that is also very effective? Well there is and it’s from your chiropractor! Through a combination of specific facial massage, CranioSacral Therapy, myofascial release, and SacroOccipital Technique (SOT) sinus pain and pressure can be decreased in as little as one treatment.

So where exactly are your sinuses and how many do you have? There are 4 pairs of sinuses: frontal (in your forehead above your eyes), sphenoid (deep in your skull and between your eyes), ethmoid (above and in front of the sphenoid sinuses), and maxillary (under your eyes in your cheeks).

Now that you know where they are we need to discuss what they do. These air filled cavities in our skulls are lined with a thin layer of tissue that produces mucous. This mucous layer protects our nose from any invading pollutants, micro-organisms, dust, and dirt. It is also considered to humidify the air we breathe and keep our nose from drying out. Bonus effects of our sinuses are making our skulls lighter and helping our voice resonate. That’s why we sound different when our sinuses are full of mucous.

The sinuses are normally empty except for the thin layer of mucous lining them but can fill when the tissue layer becomes inflamed. Our sinuses can become inflamed by invasion of bacteria or viruses and irritation from allergens like pollen or dust. This irritation will cause an overproduction of the mucous in an effort to expel whatever is invading them. This filling of mucous is what causes the pain and pressure in our faces because the surrounding bone can’t expand to accommodate.

So how does CranioSacral Therapy, SOT and all these other techniques help relieve your sinuses? They all gently help release the tension of the underlying skin, tissue layers, and any bony restrictions. Once these are released they will unlock the mucous plug that leads from your sinuses into your nose allowing everything to drain and relieve the pressure or congestion.

Most patients experience relief with just one treatment. Frequency of treatment is unique for each patient and should be discussed with your chiropractor.

 

Drs. Karis and Cassi have undergone specific advanced training in CranioSacral Therapy, SOT, and treatment of sinuses. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call the office at 360-693-3030.