Do you suffer from recurrent sinusitis?
Sinusitis can seriously disrupt your daily life. A stuffy nose, pressure behind your eyes, headaches and fatigue are symptoms you may recognize all too well. Often the symptoms return again and again after a cold, or they never seem to go away completely. A sinus infection can also go hand in hand with ear infections. As an osteopath, I look not only at the site of the complaints, but at the whole body. In this way it becomes clear why sinusitis keeps coming back and what factors play a role.
How do sinus infections occur?
The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the head that are connected to the nose. They provide humidification and filtration of inhaled air. During a cold or allergy, the mucous membrane in the sinuses can swell. As a result, mucus no longer flows away properly and a sinus infection can develop.
Sometimes the body recovers from this quickly. But when sinus infections keep coming back, there are often several factors at play. For example, decreased drainage through the nose, tension in the skull or jaw region, decreased resistance or problems in the neck and upper back that affect blood flow and fluid drainage.
Why do sinus infections often recur?
With a one-time sinus infection, the mucous membrane usually heals completely. Recurrent sinusitis often involves:
- Persistent irritation of the mucous membrane (for example, due to allergies, dust or air pollution).
- Reduced mucus drainage due to blockages in the nose or sinuses.
- Mechanical tension in the skull, jaw or neck that reduces circulation and drainage.
- Weakened defenses after stress, sleep deprivation or other health issues.
It is precisely this combination of factors that makes symptoms keep coming back, despite the fact that a course of antibiotics or nasal spray can provide temporary relief.
Osteopathy for recurrent sinusitis
Osteopathy focuses not only on the inflammation itself, but on the circumstances causing the sinusitis to recur again and again. During the examination, I look at the mobility of the bones of the skull, jaw and neck. The chest and diaphragm are also important because breathing and blood flow affect the removal of fluid and waste products.
With gentle techniques, I can reduce the tension in these areas. This can improve circulation and give the body more room to recover on its own. You often see that the symptoms return less often, or that recovery is faster.
Difference with ear infections
In children as well as adults, ear infections frequently occur in combination with sinusitis. This is because the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat, functions less well with tension or reduced drainage. Osteopathy can be supportive here as well, by improving the mobility of the jaw area, skull base and neck.
What can you do yourself for sinusitis?
In addition to osteopathic treatment, you yourself can contribute to recovery and prevention:
- Get enough sleep and relaxation so that your immune system works optimally.
- Avoid smoke, dust and air pollution as much as possible.
- Keep moving; this supports your breathing and circulation.
- If necessary, rinse your nose with saline solution to thin out the mucus.
Osteopath Amsterdam for sinusitis
Have you been experiencing sinusitis several times a year and the symptoms seem to keep coming back? Then osteopathy can be a valuable addition to regular care. In my practice in Amsterdam West, I examine not only the sinuses themselves, but also the surrounding structures that affect recovery. Often after a few treatments, people experience less pressure, better breathing and less recurrent sinus infections.
Making an appointment
Want to know what osteopathy can do for you with recurrent sinusitis? Feel free to contact me for more information or schedule an appointment directly in my online calendar. I hope to be able to help you soon!
