Typically an osteopath is called upon for musculoskeletal
pains and aches, but one thing many people does not usually think of visiting
an osteopathic physician for is chronic sinus infections. If you are suffering
from painful sinuses, headaches, and face pain, visiting an osteopathic doctor
may be just the trick for relieving your sinus infection symptoms.
What is a sinus infection?
First of all, it is important to understand what a sinus
infection is and how it develops. The sinuses are cavities occurring in the
skull, in the area between the eyes and directly below the eyes. When these
cavities become blocked and are not allowed to drain properly, they become
clogged with mucus, which can become infected given enough time.
How does cranial manipulation relieve congestion?
One of the key principles of osteopathy is that the bones in
the skull are not fused in place, but instead are designed for to accommodate
very small movements. Although these bones only travel within a few
millimeters, this ability to flex and contract is important for your overall
health. Some of these small bones can act like plungers on the sinuses to
alleviate and redistribute some of the pressure.
When the mucus accumulates in the sinuses congesting them to
the point of being unable to drain. When this happens, the pressure causes the
bones of the skull to become rigid and unable to move. This diminished movement
of the skull bones may not be a problem at first, when an upper respiratory
infection overwhelms your sinuses ability to drain, it can cause intense pain
and pressure.
An osteopathic physician will gently massage your skull,
releasing the pressure and restoring the normal range of motion to the bones of
the head. Once normal motion is restored, the bones can be used like a plunger
through cranial manipulation to drain the sinuses, increase blood flow, and
speed healing.
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