Do you have a sinus headache?

by Jean Olsen

Published on this site: August 16th, 2005 - See more articles from this month

A sinus headache starts with inflammation in the sinuses as a result of an infection or allergic reaction. Other headaches, such as a cluster, tension or migraine may include symptoms similar to a sinus headache. This makes it difficult to determine whether you have a true sinus headache.

The sinuses are hollow tunnels that lie within the bones around the nose, cheekbones and forehead. They are air pockets lined by mucous membranes. The mucous that is here should flow down into the nose from the small spaces in the sinuses. The fluid builds up if these spaces are blocked, causing pressure in this area. As the membranes become inflamed it causes the blood vessels to dilate. Usually these headaches will become worse throughout the day.

Some of the symptoms that may accompany a sinus headache are: a thick nasal discharge and congestion, physical fatigue, smelly breath and a mild to moderate fever. Some people believe that you need to take antibiotics in order to get rid of a true sinus headache because the infection needs to be addressed. It is up for debate, however, because some practitioners believe symptoms can be treated with natural remedies.

There are many factors that can bring on a sinus headache. A regular cold, sinusitis, allergic reaction to food or chemicals or even stress can cause a build up of mucous. A structural problem such as a deviated septum, can also be a precursor. Nasal polyps can irritate this area causing an increase in mucous and blockage of the natural flow that should take place.

Whether you have a true sinus headache or not, there are some things you can do to alleviate the pressure and pain.

• Try humidifying the sinuses.
  
  
• Sometimes lying down with a hot compress over the nasal areawill help.
  
  
• Run your fingers down the sides of the nose and when you come to the hollow of the nostrils hold pressure there for a minute or so.
  
  
• Press your fingers underneath the cheekbone area from the nose. You most likely will feel a tender point about midway and apply extra pressure here, holding the pressure for a minute or so.
  
  
• Try putting an essential oil in a soft cloth and breathe throughout the day. Essential oils that are especially good are: peppermint, eucalyptus, ginger and wintergreen.
  
  
• Put a couple of drops of these same essential oils in a bowl with boiling water in it, put a towel over your head and the bowl and breathe deeply for a few minutes.
  
  
• Mix one tablespoon of sea salt with one cup of warm water and stir well. Then use a dropper to put a small amount at a time into each nostril, holding your head back.
  
  
• Press into the area where your browbone meets the top of your nose until you feel a tender spot. Hold pressure on this spot for about a minute.
  
  
• Reduce your intake of dairy or other suspect foods and see if your mucous production reduces which might alleviate some of the pressure in this area.
  
  
• Hold onto your nose with one hand and with your other hand hold onto the hair around your forehead. Lift the forehead hair up and pull the nose down at the same time and hold for about a minute, releasing pressure.

Since it is difficult to diagnose a sinus headache it is imperative that you keep a headache journal. Note the free headache journal on the website.

For more tips and to discover massage techniques that will help reduce or stop your headache suffering, purchase my training course.

Jean Olsen, licensed massage therapist (1995) and certified neuromuscular therapist. Free newsletter and articles along with natural, unique alternatives for headache sufferers @www.headachestrategies.com "Let me know what you'd like to read about in future newsletters/articles - comments on our newsletter page." "Helping people help themselves has always been my passion."