Relief from Neck Strain

Seeking Chiropractic Care For Sinus Relief

by Sophie Hill

Sinus disease affects 31 million people in the United States. Of this number, 29.4 million Americans are diagnosed with sinusitis (sinus infection or inflamed sinuses) that results in 11.7 million doctor visits. What many people may not realize is that chiropractic care can greatly improve sinus function, thereby helping to alleviate symptoms associated with sinus trouble.

What are Sinuses?

Sinuses make up the eight hollow spaces that are located in the forehead, cheeks, and temples. These sinus cavities contain sticky mucous that prevent contaminants (such as dust) from making its way into the lungs. When the sinuses are healthy, they remain opened up, but when they get inflamed they close, causing the contaminants to get trapped inside them. This not only creates pressure but it can also cause immense pain.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help with Sinus Relief?

While a chiropractor may not be a cure-all for your sinus problems, a chiropractor can offer natural, drug-free solutions to help alleviate your symptoms and give you sinus relief. When your spine is misaligned, the muscles around your vertebra can become swollen. This in turn can impede proper lymphatic drainage from the head.

Relief can be provided with a chiropractic adjustment since doing this helps to remove obstructions from the sinuses and aid in proper drainage. You may hear popping or cracking noises during the adjustment but this is completely normal. Unlike most prescription medications, there are no negative side effects with chiropractic adjustments.

Types of Chiropractic Treatments Available for Sinus Relief

Besides chiropractic adjustments that include spinal manipulation, other methods may be used when it comes to providing sinus relief. Some of these different types of chiropractic treatments include the following:

  • Nasal-specific technique - small balloons get inserted into the nasal cavity as a means to drain excess fluid and relieve sinus pressure
  • Trigger-point therapy - pressure is applied to specific trigger points around the neck and brain stem to help eliminate excess fluid in the sinus passages
  • Light-force cranial manipulation - light force and thrusts are applied in order to realign the cranial bones

Other treatments that your chiropractor may recommend include the use of warm or cold compresses and massage therapy.

While chiropractic care can do much to relieve sinus symptoms, it is important to note there are certain cases where surgery may be required. These instances include the presence of polyps, a structural abnormality with the nose or sinuses, or if there is cancer present.

For more information and tips on how a chiropractor can help, visit a clinic in your area, such as Gerleman Chiropractic Office.

Share