Restoring The Natural Curve Of The Spine And Strengthening Cervical Spine Ligaments A Possible Treatment For Chronic Sinusitis And Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Many patients we see when they come in for their first visit for issues of chronic pain and neurological symptoms, come in with an understanding that something is wrong with the curve of their neck and spine. This they learned through the many years of seeking treatments. This is why they also understand that the curvature of the spine is a complex problem
In the story of our patient in this article, we noted that he had a military curve. A loss of the natural cervical spine curve.
Rhinosinusitis / Sinusitis Is This A Drainage Problem Caused By Herniated Discs
Above I suggested the connection between cervical spinal instability and a patients Eustachian tube dysfunction and sinusitis. Lets look at the sinusitis part of his problem and also connect that to cervical spine instability.
First, lets look at a case study in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy. It looks at possible sinus headaches and the development of rhinosinusitis and a connection to neck pain.
Here are the summary learning points:
- Headaches can be associated with rhinosinusitis and may present a diagnostic challenge because of symptomatic overlap with other recurring headaches.
- Neck pain has received extensive attention in migraine, tension-type, and cervicogenic headaches but not as a comorbid feature of headache in those with rhinosinusitis.
- This study investigated the occurrence of neck pain and cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction in individuals with self-reported sinus headaches.
- Patients in this study were asked to assess their Cervical range of motion , had a cervical segmental examination, muscle endurance, and pressure-pain threshold tests.
- Findings or tests and examinations: Neck pain and cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction are common among persons with sinus headaches and may be a comorbid feature or contributing factor to headaches attributed to rhinosinusitis. Further research is needed to understand these associations.
What Are We Seeing In This Image
Proper Eustachian Tube function vs. dysfunction. In this illustration, the proper opening of the Eustachian Tube is shown to require the action of the tensor veli palatini and the levator veli palatini muscles innervated by the vagus and trigeminal nerves. When these muscles do not operate normally, fluid builds up in the middle ear potentially causing the problems of ear discomfort, ear fullness, pressure, pain, dizziness, and even partial or complete hearing loss.
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Allergy Testing And Immunotherapy
The Bottom Line
Allergyproblems are extremely prevalent in the United States. The American Academy ofOtolaryngic Allergy estimates that allergies significantly affect about50 million Americans, and allergies represent some of the most common types ofchronic illness in the US. Allergy issues can range from seasonal allergies,such as allergic reactions to certain types of pollen, to environmentalallergies like problems with pet dander and dust mites. Allergic responses toinsect stings, like bee venom, can also be severe and even life-threatening.
Types of Allergies
There areseveral common types of allergies, classified according to the kind of allergenor substance that triggers the allergy. These allergy types include:
Seasonalallergies This type of allergy is triggered by exposure to pollen. As thename implies, seasonal allergies are usually limited to one or two seasons ofthe year. For example, ragweed pollen is a frequent cause of seasonal fallallergies, and pollen from trees is often the source of spring and seasonal summerallergies. Seasonal allergies are usually minimized in the winter due to lowpollen counts.
Mold allergies Many species of mold can trigger allergies. These species include Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria.While it is possible to suffer mold allergies from outdoor exposure, most moldallergy cases occur from indoor exposure due to a higher concentration of moldspores.
Allergy Symptoms
Related: Facts about sinus headaches
Types Of Sinus & Allergy
Hearing loss that stems from sinus and allergy issues can manifest in different ways. Conductive hearing loss is the most common condition, but congestion or fullness and tinnitus are also types of hearing loss associated with sinus and allergy problems.
Conductive Hearing Loss
This temporary condition occurs when an element like mucus or earwax prevents the sound waves from flowing freely through the outer, middle and inner ear. Conductive hearing loss can be caused by allergies or sinusitis, so if you treat these issues and clear up your allergies or infection, but still have difficulty hearing, you should see a hearing specialist.
Fullness or Congestion
Dull pain and pressure can result from the congestion or fullness that occurs as glands produce excess fluid that is unable to drain. When this fluid presses on the eardrum, it causes discomfort and makes it more difficult to hear. In most cases, the discomfort will decrease and dissipate within a few days to a week, but if sharp or acute pain occurs, you should see a doctor immediately as this could be a sign of an ear infection.
Tinnitus
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Also Check: Medicine To Treat Sinus Infection
Ear Ache Nasal Congestion Nosebleed And Ringing In Ears
- Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Reviewed on 8/31/2020
These symptoms are characteristic of upper respiratory conditions such as nasal congestion due to any cause, hay fever, reactions to indoor allergens, or sinus infections. If your symptoms do not resolve over time, seek the advice of your doctor.
While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:
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How To Relieve Sinus Pressure And Pain
Now that you know what causes sinus congestion, you can determine how to relieve sinus pain. Here are a few tips and tricks for easing sinus pain. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Chill Out Your Sinuses
Anything you can do to cool your head can ease sinus pain symptoms. An ice mask, bag of ice or a cold compress can help.
Massage and Relax
Stress often makes your sinus symptoms feel worse. Gently massaging your neck and shoulders, while not linked to your sinuses, can help you relax, giving you relief.
Try SUDAFED® to Relieve Sinus Pressure and Pain
For a treatment that works to relieve sinus symptoms day and night, try SUDAFED PE® Sinus Congestion Day + Night for powerful congestion relief.
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Concussions And Other Head Injuries
What it feels like: A sensation of mild pressure in your head or a headache. Related symptoms include confusion, nausea, and dizziness.
What it is: A concussion is a mild head injury. It occurs when the brain shakes, bounces, or twists inside the skull, which can affect brain activity and damage brain cells.
Causes: Concussions and other head injuries are caused by sudden impact to the head or whiplash. Falls, car accidents, and sports injuries are common.
What Our Patients Are Saying
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Best ENT in the universe!
I never imagined my sinuses/breathing could feel this good. I had about 5 sinus infections a year and now it is practically none. I cannot say enough of Dr. Gilmoreâs professionalism, excellence as a surgeon and courteous bedside manner. Best ENT in the universe! He is a Keeper!
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The Start Of The Chase For The Root Cause Of The Problem The Connection Between The Vagus Nerve And The Trigeminal Nerve And Sinus Drainage
The vagus nerve, as illustrated below, travels through the cervical spine. It travels especially close to the C1, C2, C3 vertebrae. Cervical spine instability in these regions can cause herniation or pinching of the vagus nerve, which can lead to a disruption of normal nerve communication between the vagus nerve and the trigeminal nerve and trigeminal ganglion. This disruption or herniation of the nerve can cause among the many symptoms of cluster headaches.
What Does It Mean When The Lymph Nodes Hurt
Painful lymph nodes are usually a sign of acute or chronic infection and sometimes noninfectious causes such as cancer or autoimmune disease. Lymph nodes function to filter and trap viruses, bacteria and other pathogens before they can spread and infect other parts of the body. Often pain and other associated symptoms are the first sign that an underlying infection or process is occurring.
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How Long Do Sinus Headaches Last
Viruses cause most sinus infections. A viral sinus infection typically resolves on its own. Similar to how the common cold clears up by itself, your sinus headache should feel better within about a week. If it doesnt go away, see your healthcare provider. You may have a bacterial or fungal sinus infection that requires medication.
Neck Pain And Sinusitis Whats The Connection
The connection between our sinuses and headaches is well established, but what about the relationship between neck pain and our sinuses? Is there a connection?
Sinusitis is very common in the spring when pollen counts are high and times when the cold and flu are rampant. It usually manifests with a clear runny nose and pain over the affected sinuses and other histamine related symptoms .
The Mayo Clinic states at least two of four primary symptoms of chronic sinusitis need to be present to confirm a CS diagnosis: 1) thick, discolored nasal discharge or drainage down the back of the throat 2) nasal obstruction due to congestion that interferes with nasal breathing 3) pain, tenderness, and swelling in the eyes, face, nose, forehead 4) a reduced sense of taste and smell in adults and a cough in children.
Other CS symptoms can include: 1) ear pain 2) jaw or teeth pain 3) coughoften worse at night 4) sore throat 5) bad breath 6) fatigue 7) irritability 8) nausea and 9) neck pain. Acute sinusitis has similar signs and symptoms when compared with CS, but they are short-lived. Symptoms that warrant a primary care consideration include: 1) high fever 2) severe headache 3) mental confusion 4) visual changesdouble vision, blurriness, etc. and 5) profound neck pain and stiffness.
Causation of CS include: 1) Nasal polyps 2) deviated septum or 3) other medical conditions that can block the nasal passage.
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Neck Pain And Sinus Infection: Whats The Connection
As mentioned above, there are several sinuses in the head, including the pair of air cavities located behind the nose, which doctors refer to as sphenoid sinuses. When these specific sinuses get inflamed or irritated because of a bacterial or viral pathogen, you will likely develop sinus infection and neck pain.
On top of that, your sinus infection and neck pain can worsen if you have problems with your autonomic system. An impaired autonomic system fails to regulate involuntary processes like respiration, causing you to have difficulty managing sinus infections. Early detection of an ANS problem may be the key to finally getting rid of your chronic sinus problem, so be sure to consult with your doctor or perhaps an upper cervical care practitioner to know your best option.
The True Cause Of Sinus Headaches
If you are looking for information online about sinus headaches, the data you are likely to find may be very confusing. Thats because these articles dont differentiate between sinus headaches from infections and sinus headaches from completely different causes.
Both doctors and laypeople suffering from these headaches often believe that if theres a headache centered over the sinuses, there must be a sinus infection. This is very often not the case. A sinus infection requires a completely different treatment from the care needed to relieve a sinus headache that is not caused by an infection.
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Allergies And Sinus Headaches
Ever heard that allergies cause sinus headaches? Itâs not quite that simple.
Allergies can cause sinus congestion, which can make your head hurt. Treatment for your allergies can ease that congestion, but it wonât relieve your headache pain. You usually have to treat the two conditions separately. See your doctor to make sure you get the right help.
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Sinusitis Can Cause Muscle Pain
Weve all felt muscle tension when were fatigued or stressed out. If it goes on long enough it can become quite painful. A serious sinus infection hits you with a two punch combo, making quality sleep difficult and leaving you feeling miserable when you are out of bed. If your sinus infection has set in, its possible that a combination of poor sleep and fatigue, discomfort and stress during the day have led to muscle tension in the shoulders and neck which can feel particularly painful.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Get S Sinus Infection
Pressure In Head And Eyes
Head pressure accompanied by eye pressure can be a sign of eye strain, allergies, or sinus infections. Migraines and other headaches can also cause eye-related symptoms.
Some causes of head pressure dont require medical treatment. Home remedies and lifestyle changes may help to improve your symptoms.
Tension headaches in particular have been linked to stress, poor sleep, and mental health conditions such as
- Treat sore muscles with ice or heat.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, naproxen , and ibuprofen , can also help.
How Are Sinus Headaches Diagnosed
Most of the time when people diagnose themselves with a sinus headache, its really a migraine. So, its important to see your healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or ongoing, you may also need imaging tests. A magnetic resonance imaging test can rule out serious brain conditions. Multiple imaging tests can reveal sinus blockages and include:
- X-rays.
- Computed tomography scan.
- Nasal endoscopy .
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Does Flonase For Ear Ringing Really Help Or Its Just Another Otc Nasaldrop
Chronic ringing in the ear is a condition commonly known as tinnitus. Ear ringing has a prevalence of 8 to 25.3% in the population of the United States. I suffer from mild tinnitus. Even though it isnt life-threatening, the condition is most certainly annoying.
Regular usage of Flonase, one of the best decongestants for tinnitus, can affect ear ringing. It might provide some relief. However, it is uncommon for Flonase to be directly prescribed for tinnitus. Let us dive into the topic of Flonase for ear ringing in the following article.
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Take A Nasal Decongestant
The easiest and fastest way to get rid of the ringing in ears from sinus is to take a nasal decongestant. This kind of medication helps not only to unclog your nasal airways but also the ears. Obviously, this sort of medication will only help if the case is either caused by the clogging of the eustachian tube and if its something not too serious.
The nasal decongestant will help the body to get rid of the mucus and clear the passage. Even if your problem has nothing to do with clogged ears and is entirely a buzz or ringing, the nasal decongestant might be a big helper. Just make sure that you do not take the medication for too long. This sort of medicine is to be used short-term, especially because if the problem persists the sinus infection may be more serious.
This means that you should treat it with other medication and probably consult a doctor. Its important to be aware that these simpler medicines are to be used for no more than 3 days in a row. Otherwise, if it doesnt work, youll be taking medicine for nothing.
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How Do Allergies Start
Each spring, summer, and fall, plants release pollen that floats on the wind and lodges in your eyes and airways to trigger allergies. While grasses are the most common cause of allergies, mold spores are another source. They can live anywhere, including your home, and cause allergy symptoms over several seasons.
Mold and mildew spread differently from plants. While plants have seeds, mold has spores. Some spores travel through windy air. Others spread when humidity is high, using a fog or dew to travel.
Allergic reactions start when plant pollen or mold spores reach your airways and encounter your bodys sentries, the mast cells. Mast cells in the mucosa lining of your nose sound the alarm when a foreign organism enters your body. They activate your immune system and trigger a number of responses:
- Nasal congestion
- Hives
- Fatigue
An immune response is useful if your body needs to remove foreign organisms such as viruses or bacteria. However, it is inconvenient when the trigger is merely pollen.
For more information on allergies,
Do I Need A Scan Do I Need To See A Specialist
As mentioned previously, in the majority of cases, scans and investigations are not required to diagnose and manage your neck pain. Likewise, the vast majority of neck pain presentations resolve without the need to consult a specialist.
Check out this interesting article that explains what a doctor will consider before referring you for scans, as well as the pitfalls of unnecessary scanning:
Source:
B/ Deteriorating neurological signs
Worsening numbness, weakness and tingling or inability to normally use your bladder or bowel are classed as deteriorating neurological signs.
If any of the above worsen then medical advice is needed ASAP. Especially if you lose bladder or bowel function, it can be a medical emergency. Seek urgent medical care.
C/ Symptoms not improving over time despite good conservative management
In general, if you have had symptoms persisting greater than 6- 12 weeks despite help from your GP or Physio then it can be warranted to get an XR to help rule out any red flags or other structural issues.
Have a talk to your GP or Physio and discuss a plan for investigating your back pain further. Often these tests are all clear, which is great! It will mean that your back pain will just take a little more time to improve with the right guidance and advice from your medical team.
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