Pain Center

Sinus Pain

If you have ever suffered from a sinus infection, you understand that perhaps there is not another medical condition that causes more discomfort. Sinus headaches send excruciating pain throughout the neck and head to limit what you can do during your daily routine. You can also contract a fever triggered by a sinus infection.

When you experience a sinus infection, which is otherwise referred to as sinusitis, you should schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Gillis and his team of licensed chiropractors at Perry Chiropractic Health Center. Our team of experienced chiropractors will perform a thorough diagnosis to get to the root cause of the sinus infection. After discovering what caused sinusitis, we immediately get to work by treating the common medical ailment.

Overview of Sinusitis

We have two sinus cavities located behind the eyes and cheekbones. The empty sinus passages are covered by a protective coating called a mucous membrane, which is a soft area of wet tissue enveloped by mucous. Millions of microscopic hair-like cilias cover the mucous membrane to prevent bacteria from collecting inside the sinus passages. Each of the million cilias wave back and forth like a vacuum sweeper to collect and remove dust, germs, and pollen. When the cilias stop functioning properly, material grows within each sinus passage and if left untreated, can produce the painful agony associated with a sinus infection.

Four Types of Sinusitis

Dr. Gillis and his team of chiropractic specialists diagnose four types of sinus infections. Viral sinusitis typically feels like you have caught a common cold. The coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and nasal congestion associated with the common cold can mask the symptoms of viral sinusitis. Bacterial sinus infections produce thick, discolored nasal discharges that are easy to detect. You can experience intense facial pain and/or pressure when you have to deal with a bacterial sinus infection. Sinusitis caused by allergies represent the most common form of sinus infections The mucous membranes responsible for protecting the nasal cavities swell to prevent proper nose drainage. Finally, chronic sinusitis is a medical condition that can last for months. A persistent cough that is more pronounced at night defines the primary symptom of a chronic sinus infection.

What are the Common Symptoms of a Sinus Infection?

Although there are four types of sinus infections, each type carries with it common symptoms. You can expect initially to feel pressure within the sinus passage. If not diagnosed in time, the pressure turns into a dull pain that morphs into immense pain if the medical condition is not treated by accomplished health care professionals. Sinus drainage that frequently occurs is another symptom of sinusitis. You might mistake sinus drainage for the symptoms experienced at the onset of the common cold. One symptom you might not associate with a sinus infection is an upset stomach caused by swallowing too much sinus drainage. Earaches and a sore throat round out the most common symptoms of sinusitis.

Causes of Sinus Pain

Upper respiratory infections represent the most common cause of sinus pain. Allergens and other airborne particles enter the sinus cavities to compromise the protective effectiveness of the mucous membrane. Considered viral in nature, upper respiratory infections also diminish the performance of the hair-like cilia. The painful result is swelling of the nasal cavities. Swelling eventually leads to blockage in the sinus passages that trap bacteria and other types of naturally ingested particles. Fungal infections caused by black mold also contribute to the development of sinusitis. Black mold typically forms behind home and office walls.

What You Need to Know about a Chiropractic Sinus Adjustment?

During your first visit, a member of our highly rated team of accomplished chiropractors will ask several questions to determine your medical history. We will perform an extensive physical examination to get to the source of your sinus pain. X-rays often help us find the area of one or both sinus passages that have collected airborne particles.

We might recommend a chiropractic sinus adjustment to alleviate sinus pain. The procedure treats the mucous membrane that covers the sinus passages. Light, even pressure applied to the compromised areas of the sinus cavities should eventually break up mucous to allow air to pass through the nose. Your facial bones, as well as your spine, might also need slight adjustments to encourage nasal passage healing.

Dr. Gillis and his team of chiropractors can help you overcome the debilitating symptoms of sinus pain. Contact Perry Chiropractic Health Center today to schedule an initial consultation for diagnosing and treating sinus pain.