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.