A build-up of pressure in the sinuses in the nose, forehead and cheeks, commonly produces a type of headache that is called a “Sinus Headache”.  It leads to a consistent deep pain in this area of the head, which gets more severe with sudden movements or straining of the head. Thus besides pressure and pain in the forehead, cheeks and behind the eyes, a sinus headache may worsen if you bend forward or lie down. Such headaches may also be associated with a sore throat, fever, cough, fatigue or other cold-like symptoms. 

Cause

Sinus headaches occur as a result of inflammation and obstruction of the sinuses, which may be caused by a number of different factors. These include:

• Allergic rhinitis
• Infection
• Sinusitis

Sinusitis, whether allergic, nonallergic or fungal, can cause changes in the pressure in the sinuses that can then cause headaches. Allergies, a weak immune system, nasal growths (polyps) or asthma can increase the risk of sinus headaches and sinusitis.  Allergic rhinitis typically occurs seasonally and is more likely to cause symptoms in the spring when the pollen count is high or in autumn as the weather changes.

Also, our sinus cavities are normally filled with air .Theses cavities are lined with epithelial tissue that secretes a small amount of mucus. The sinuses have small openings called meatuses that allow this mucus to drain into the nasal passages. The purpose of this mucus is to flush out toxins such as virus, bacteria, fungi, and allergens.  Structural changes effecting the size of the meatuses and inflammation can both inhibit optimal drainage of the mucus into the nasal passages. This causes mucus to build up further blocking the openings in the sinuses creating a breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens.

Symptoms

A deep pain that is experienced in the sinuses in the cheekbones, forehead and the bridge of the nose, that also may intensify with movement or straining of the head are the general symptoms of a sinus headache.

Additional symptoms that can commonly accompany a sinus headache include:

• Nasal discharge
• Feeling of fullness in the ears
• Swelling and tenderness of the face
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue

The symptoms of sinus headache are closely related to that of migraine, and the two conditions are often misdiagnosed for this reason.  Several symptoms help distinguish a sinus headache from a migraine headache. A migraine usually worsens with noise or bright light, and a migraine is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting. 

For many people, over-the-counter allergy and pain relievers are not an option because of side effects or because of possible drug interactions with medications they are already taking.

Cranialsacral Therapy to treat Sinus Headaches: Because it moves stagnant cerebrospinal fluid within the bones of the skull, cranial sacral techniques create an influx of circulation, which consequently eases sinus pressure. Craniosacral therapy is particularly helpful for head, eye, ear and jaw pain from chronic sinusitis. Craniosacral therapy can help the body to release the mucus build up in a gentle and effective way.  

Trauma to head, face or jaw, TMJ, and whiplash are all possible reasons the openings (meatuses) in the sinuses may be altered. Craniosacral therapy addresses these changes by working on the sutures in your skull, re-aligning them to their optimal position and therefore removing any obstruction to the drainage of your sinuses through the meatuses.

Fascia (soft-tissue) covers everything in the body, down to the cellular level.  Fascial restrictions in tissue surrounding your neck, chest, and head can produce an environment where circulation is compromised.  Fascial restrictions are released by Craniosacral therapy, improving circulation and the removal of toxins and other waste products which in turn decreases inflammation causing the sinusitis.

About Dr. Kaminsky & Craniosacral Therapy

Dr. Kaminsky earned his Chiropractic degree in the year 2000 and is licensed to practice in NY. He has since completed close to three thousand hours of continuing education seminars in various healthcare fields.

Since 2015, he is implementing primarily the hands-on techniques of Craniosacral Therapy (CST), a gentle, non-invasive, laying of the hands that brings about reversal and restoration.

The Craniosacral Mechanism is the driver of moving fluid in the body and head called cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF), which is produced by the Choroid Plexus of the brain and encapsulated within the head and spine.

The craniosacral system is the hydraulic mechanism of a human being and is a component of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and (ANS) Autonomic Nervous system.

There is a function inside of your brain that autonomically generates rhythmic impulses that function to pump CSF throughout your body via the craniosacral pathways, regulating your central and peripheral nerves, nervous system and organ systems, musculoskeletal system, etc.

This moving fluid is palpable to a trained craniosacral therapist, like the heart rate, pulse rhythm, breath, that can all be seen, heard or felt, so too can the Cranial Sacral Rhythm (CSR) be palpated and diagnosed for its health.

By placing his or her hands on your body, including your head and sacrum, the therapist can detect, feel and evaluate the SQAR (symmetry, quality, amplitude, rate) of this fluid rhythm.

The health of your body and mind are dependent on the vitality of this fluid. Compromises of your CSR’s rhythmic impulse correlates to CSF flow restrictions in the system which, when the fluid isn’t flowing optimally, your bodily rejuvenation and recovery is affected.

With anatomically correct hand placement on different parts the body during a session, through gentle manipulation and mobilization the therapist guides and facilitates a positive change in that region of the body which brings forth a correction. A myofascial release in a sense.

A craniosacral therapist stimulates and helps your rhythm refocus, allowing for improvement of musculoskeletal tightness and spasms, neurological issues, organ function, many common conditions, pain, and the mind-body re-connect.

Through a practitioners properly focused and individually attuned touch, your body is facilitated to release channels of fluid stagnation and flow restriction, which ultimately breakthrough, overcome and improve your rhythmic fluid and your potential for health improvement.

The existence of the Craniosacral mechanism was first discovered by Osteopath Dr. William Sutherland in the early 1900’s, who called it Cranial Osteopathy. And many years later, renamed to Craniosacral Therapy by Osteopath, Dr. John Upledger.

Dr. Alex Kaminsky is an advanced and certified Craniosacral Therapist, having studied advanced levels including SER, Brain and Pediatric courses. He has built a significant skill-set with many years of experience treating adults, children and babies. To learn more, visit the other pages on this website. Call to schedule your appointment with Dr. Kaminsky.