Chiropractic Care for Sinus Issues

Sinus issues make everyday life uncomfortable. In many cases, sinus pain, pressure, and congestion are acute. It might occur when someone experiences seasonal allergies or a head cold. But for some people, sinus issues are chronic.

There are many treatments available for sinus issues. Many of these prescription and over-the-counter options are effective but might trigger side effects. They also fail to address the root cause of the issue. Not to mention, some of these solutions can worsen the problem over time.

Chiropractic care is one of the best remedies for treating sinus issues, especially chronic ones. Chiropractors provide a natural, non-invasive approach that can help relieve sinus issues and improve overall health.

Living with Sinusitis, a Stuffy Nose, or Sinus Pain

Living with sinusitis, which triggers various uncomfortable symptoms, is challenging. 

Sinusitis occurs when your nasal passages become inflamed or swell. The condition is chronic if it lasts three months or longer or occurs despite treatment. Sinusitis and its symptoms could be caused by an infection, nasal polyps, or swelling of the lining of the sinuses.

Sinusitis and symptoms, including sinus pain and stuffy nose, usually aren’t serious, but it can drastically impact a person’s quality of life.

How Chiropractors Alleviate Sinus Pain and Pressure

A visit to the chiropractor for sinus pain and pressure will begin with a review of your medical history and a physical exam. They might also take X-rays if they want to explore further what’s going on inside your sinuses. 

Once they’ve identified potential causes of sinus problems, they will create a treatment program that targets the bones and mucous membranes around your sinuses. Treatments are pain-free, and many people experience improvement immediately.

Chiropractic Sinus Adjustments

Chiropractors use a variety of methods to improve sinus health. Many recommend massage, stretching, and exercise techniques that reduce tension and inflammation. They might also perform a chiropractic sinus adjustment that specifically targets the sinus inflammation. 

One of the techniques chiropractors use to alleviate sinusitis involves inserting small balloons into the nasal cavity. These inflated balloons push the sinuses open, allowing for drainage and pressure relief.

Thoracic Spine Adjustments

Traditional chiropractic adjustments focus on the spine. Improving spinal alignment and mobility improves overall health, including nasal health. This is because the spine connects to the nervous system, which plays a vital role in the health of the immune system and the body’s inflammatory response.

When you have a misaligned spine or restriction in your spine, it interferes with your body’s communication pathways. Clearing these blockages and aligning the spine allows messages to easily pass through your nervous system and reduce inflammation throughout your body.

Some sinus issues are caused by structural issues, which are problems with the face or skull. These problems can put pressure on the sinuses, which cause congestion. Chiropractors can make adjustments that shift facial bones and improve the drainage of the sinuses.

Neck Adjustments

A chiropractor treating sinus issues might also use neck adjustments as part of the treatment plan.

Neck adjustments clear sinuses by encouraging the body to relax and allow the sinuses to drain. When your neck is stiff, it restricts blood flow and lymphatic drainage. A chiropractic neck adjustment releases pressure and pain from congestion. The adjustment also stimulates the nerves to the nasal cavities, promoting your body’s natural healing response.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Alleviating Sinus Issues

Treating sinus issues with chiropractic care offers many benefits.

First and foremost, it’s effective. Many people experience relief from pain and pressure immediately during their treatment. Ongoing treatments reduce your risk of recurrence. Over time, chiropractic care improves your nervous system's health so your body can function better as it should, reducing issues with sinuses and other problems.

Chiropractic care is also natural. Many of the treatments we think of for sinusitis come with various side effects. Taking medication once in a while for sinus congestion might not trigger too many problems, but for those with chronic sinusitis who use medication every day to alleviate discomfort, side effects are very likely to arise. Additionally, your body will begin to rely on these medications instead of learning to utilize its natural healing ability.

Finally, chiropractic care helps your overall health. Not only will you experience improvement in your ability to breathe and no longer experience sinus pain and pressure, but you might also notice improvement in other areas. Some people find they get sick less frequently, sleep better, and generally feel better when they incorporate chiropractic treatments into their lives.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.