How Chiropractic and Acupuncture Helps the Sinus/Allergy Sufferer

"To understand how chiropractic can help with sinus and allergy problems, you must first learn the difference between the two”; says Dr. Christopher McNulty.

"Many people have a hypersensitivity, or allergy, to certain substances such as pollens, cat dander, or mold spores", he explains. "Various types of pollen have been causing trouble for a lot of people during the past couple of months, and it's not over yet."

Allergy sufferers find that regular chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture can complement the care of an allergy specialist by helping keep their immune system in tip-top order. Many times an allergy specialist is not even needed.

"Various types of pollen have been causing trouble for a lot of people during the past couple of months, and it's not over yet."

On the other hand, chronic sinus trouble or sinusitis occurs because the mucus membranes swell and block drainage of the sinuses into the nasal cavity. While pollen and other such substances do not cause the problem, they can aggravate it, which explains why many people are prone to sinus trouble during the peak pollen seasons of spring and fall. The sinuses are spaces in the bones of the forehead, cheeks, and para-nasal area. They are lined with mucus membranes, which filter pollutants from the air we breathe and help keep it moist and warm.

"The functioning of the mucus membranes is controlled by nerves coming from the neck," says Dr. McNulty. "If you have a pinched nerve in this area, the mucus membranes can't filter all the irritants out, and you wind up with inflamed sinuses. Spinal adjustments can work on those pinched nerves to alleviate the problem. Plus, we can help flush the sinuses out with acupuncture points for the sinuses. The points are located on the forehead and near the nose and eyes and on the arms and can be treated with a needle less method."

Many symptoms of sinusitis are easy to recognize: "postnasal drip," a stuffy head, and swollen eyes. Sinus trouble can also cause headache, pain in the cheekbones, jaw, or teeth; chills and fever; dizziness; loss of appetite; sensitivity to light; bad breath; a general "down" feeling; even depression.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't just grit your teeth and resolve to "suffer through" the problem. Give us a call and let us check you out. We'll recommend the most appropriate course of treatment for you, whether its chiropractic care, acupuncture, special medical care, or a combination approach.

"It's worth it to find out what the problem is and treat it correctly," Dr. McNulty says. "We've had people tell us they didn't realize how much their sinus problems were affecting their daily lives, until they found relief and felt normal again."

Remember...Try Chiropractic and Acupuncture First!