ARE YOU A SINUSITIS SUFFERER? HERE IS HOW CHIROPRACTIC CAN HELP YOU!
Sinusitis is one of the most common ailments suffered globally. The causes are extremely variable but cases seem to be increasing reciporically because of the increased number of pollutants etc. in our atmosphere. While we have little control over that, we certainly can control the controllables!
Whether the sinusitis is allergic, infective or obstructive in nature-keeping the nerve supply and structural environment as optimally functional as possible unquestionably influences sinus drainage. It is again, important to note that many sinus infections begin because of blockages to normal sinus drainage.
As every Chiropractor will tell you, it is an almost daily occurrence that a patient will report ‘their sinuses opening up’ after an upper cervical spine treatment or manipulation. The reasons for this effect are multiple:
-Upper cervical spine blockages or (functional) misalignment between the vertebrae causes resultant muscle spasm and atrophy in the attaching musculature. Many of these muscles influence the posterior wall of the nasophanynx where the sinuses drain into.
-The upper cervical spine (atlas) has a connection to the dura mater which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Disrelationships in the upper cervical spine can cause increased tension here affecting dural pressure, which is thought to affect the sinuses.
-The upper cervical spine in particular has reflex connections with many cranial nerves which are responsible for the nerve supply (hence function) of the sinuses.
Many times pain or pressure over the sinuses may not even be related to the sinuses. It is very well documented that trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles (amongst others) refer pain directly to the sinus areas. Treatment of these points often results in immediate relief.
Aside from correcting your cervical spine biomachanics, your Chiropractor will attempt to source and treat the origin of the sinus problem. This includes taking lifestyle and environmental variables such as diet etc. into consideration. There are, of course, situations where the sinusitis may need medication or be the result of a more serious pathology (such as a deviated nasal septum or nasal polyps). These conditions may require a referral and more aggressive treatment. However, always start with more conservative therapy before taking the step onto chronic medication or surgery! YOUR CHIROPRACTOR WILL ALWAYS REFER WHEN INDICATED! – Written by DR. E Greyling
