Anybody with chronic sinus infections knows how painful they can be. Chronic sinus infections can include headaches, coughing and sore throat, clogged ears, watery eyes, and runny noses. The most common remedy usually involves antibiotics and, in some cases, steroids. Unfortunately, the body can build up resistance to antibiotics over time, and steroids can increase the risk for conditions such as fatty liver disease, as well as cause pain flares and hot flashes. Furthermore, chronic sinus infections can lead to excruciating pain for those who fly frequently, due to the inability of the eustachian tubes to equalize (pop) in response to changes in cabin pressure from take off and landing.

What Are Sinuses?

The sinuses are a series of hollow cavities in the bone of the forehead, cheeks, and nose. Healthy, open sinuses have a mucus lining that ensure warm, moist air free from pollutants reaches the lungs. In cases of sinus infection, the sinus linings become swollen and inflamed. The body will also produce an excess of mucus.

Can Chiropractic Care Treat Chronic Sinus Infections?

Chiropractic care may provide a better, more natural way to not only clear up sinus infections but help the body build up immunity against future infections. When patients have a sinus infection, misalignment of the neck and back may cause the attached muscles to become swollen or spastic, cutting off proper lymphatic fluid drainage. Proper chiropractic adjustments will put the body back in alignment, thus allowing for excess fluid to drain from the sinuses.

Research on Chiropractic Adjustments for Sinus Infections

A 2012 article from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics treated 14 patients with sinus infections. Patients received manual chiropractic therapy on the second, third, and fifth week of a seven-week session. All patients significantly improved after each chiropractic treatment session. They also reported overall improvement from the first visit until the final one, including less pain and improvement of symptoms. The authors concluded that chiropractic care may be a viable alternative to standard therapy for chronic sinus infections.

Other Natural Treatments to Prevent Sinus Infections

Raw, local honey is one of the best ways to help build up an immunity against chronic sinus infections. Because it contains the same pollens that are in the air we breathe, it can help strengthen the immune system against further infection. The best place to purchase raw local honey is from farmers’ markets or small, local producers.

Room humidifiers can help keep the air inside the house moist. This will prevent the sinuses from becoming dried out and swollen. A small humidifier can be placed in a single bedroom.

Avoid any over the counter nasal sprays. These may seem to clear up symptoms, but in fact, they dry out the nasal passages. Instead, use a neti pot, which is available at most health food stores. Use the pot with warm saline water to rinse out the nasal passages and sinuses.

Chronic sinus infections not only cause unnecessary suffering, but may also be costly in terms of treatments, doctor visits, and lost productivity. Chiropractic care is a simple, effective way to treat the condition and prevent it from recurring.

Contact Horst Chiropractic to schedule an appointment.