The connection between our sinuses and headaches is well-established. What about the relationship between neck pain and our sinuses? Is there a connection?
Sinusitis
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. Other “histamine” related symptoms include watery eyes, sneezing, etc.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a diagnosis of sinusitis requires two or more of the following symptoms. 1) thick, discolored nasal discharge or drainage down the back of the throat (post-nasal drip). 2) nasal obstruction due to congestion that interferes with nasal breathing. 3) pain, tenderness, and swelling in the eyes, face, nose, and forehead. 4) a reduced sense of taste and smell in adults and a cough in children.
Other chronic sinusitis symptoms can include ear pain, jaw or teeth pain, cough, sore throat, bad breath, fatigue, irritability, nausea, and neck pain.
Acute sinusitis has similar signs and symptoms but symptoms don’t last long. Symptoms that warrant primary care consideration include 1) high fever; 2) severe headache; 3) mental confusion; 4) visual changes—double vision, blurriness, etc.; and 5) profound neck pain and stiffness.
Causation of Chronic Sinusitis
Nasal polyps, deviated septum, and other medical conditions can block the nasal passage. These conditions include cystic fibrosis complications, gastroesophageal reflux, HIV, and other autoimmune system-related diseases.
Risk Factors
1) nasal passage conditions (polyps, deviated septum); 2) asthma; 3) aspirin sensitivity (due to respiratory problems); 4) immune system disorder (HIV/AIDS or cystic fibrosis); 5) hay fever/allergies; 6) pollutant exposure (air pollution, cigarette smoke).
Complications
1) meningitis; 2) infection migration such as to the bones (osteomyelitis) or to the skin (cellulitis); 3) sense of smell loss (partial or complete “anosmia”); 4) vision problems (including blindness).
Neck Pain
Many are not aware that neck pain and stiffness and jaw or teeth pain are symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Conditions like this are a reminder that it’s important for both the doctor and patient to be aware of ALL the symptoms present. Even if they seem like they don’t have a connection. Chiropractors train to look for non-mechanical causes for neck pain when a patient seeks care. It makes it easier if the patient is open about all their symptoms, even the ones that don’t seem relevant.
The good news is that chiropractors are trained to manage chronic sinusitis and can offer patients advice on lifestyle changes that may reduce the risk of the infection recurring. Furthermore, chiropractors often work with your primary care doctor when antibiotics or other measures are needed.
