I have patients that have been told they have a sinus infection, when what is really causing their runny nose and headache is a problem in their neck. I’ve written about sinus infection and a great non-drug way to treat it. Believe it or not, the neck can cause symptoms that look and feel a lot like a sinus infection. Please don’t take my word for it! One of my foundational principles is to educate my patients.
A runny nose is a response to some kind of irritant. The body responds to physical irritation by secreting fluid. If the eye gets something in it or if it get scratched, tears begin to flow. If the back of the heel gets rubbed by a poor fitting shoe, the skin secretes fluid and a blister develops. When the skin gets badly sunburned it blisters.
When there is a problem in the body, messages are sent to the brain about the trouble. Sometimes we “feel” these messages as pain, however most of the time we are never aware of them. It is very common for a person to have some sort of problem for years before they “feel” it. The body has been telling the brain about the problem from the beginning, but it is not until the “volume” gets loud enough that the person becomes aware of it.
When something is wrong in the neck, messages are sent to the brain. As I explained, sometimes a person feels these messages as pain and sometimes a person does not feel anything. These messages cause the brain to tell the neck muscles to tighten up. The brain will continue to send the neck “tighten up” messages 24/7. Often the person is completely unaware of the messages going to and from the brain. Frequently as I am working on my patients they will feel the pain and tightness in an area where they had no idea anything was wrong.
Former Skeptic, now a HUGE fan!
Veronica A. says: If you would have told me 10 years ago I would be a “frequent flyer” with a chiropractor, I would have said “obviously you don’t know me”. Dr. Kilcup loves to study, learn, and teach his clients. He’s FAR more than “just a chiropractor”. He has “healed” my sinuses, and what we thought was allergies, done blood work and testing for metals, etc., and worked with me to get the toxins out of my body, as well as making sure my body is absorbing the proper nutrition, as well as making my back function properly. Every time I leave his office I feel like I can breathe, and function normally, again! I tell anyone who doesn’t like chiropractors, they’ve never been to MY chiropractor!
When the brain begins to tell the neck muscles to tighten up, the neurological pieces are in place to cause a sinus condition that is often misdiagnosed as a sinus infection. Check out this short video I put together to explain how this happens:
So how do you know if your runny nose is really neck trouble? Well, did treatment for the sinus infection work? If it did then it probably wasn’t a neck problem. So if the treatment for your sinus infection has not been working, have your neck checked out. Better yet, have your neck checked before you start taking medication!
For more help check out my free guide to help you figure out if your sinus problem is coming from your neck. Just click here to get the free PDF.
I’d love to answer your questions and hear your thoughts. Leave a comment here and I will be happy to answer you!
Update 4-2-2015
I just finished another blog entry titled “When a sinus infection is an intestinal problem”. If you’re looking for help with your sinus condition check it out HERE
G’day – really interested in this theory.
Had a “sinus” issue for 2 years. Never had problems before and have tried antibiotics, antihistamines etc. Had scans that came back clear for sinusitis. Skin prick tested for allergies and all negative. Don’t suffer from hayfever.
One side of head/nose/ear blocked. Nose runs (especially when eating and/or cold). Clear mucous. Tend to get a blocked & painful eustachian tube.
Have mild TMJ and so thinking that it might be a jaw/neck problem.
Interested to hear your thoughts.
Cheers
Where in the world are you Adz?
From your brief history I hear lots of things that suggest your neck might be the source of your problems. Find a good Chiropractor!
I have suffered from sinus infections for quite some time. About a month and a half ago, I had what I thought was a sinus infection & went to Urgent Care. They have me Augmentin 875 mg, A shot of Prednisone, plus another 5 days worth, as well as Flonase, a nasal steroid spray. None of these meds worked. The pain is so severe that I am bedridden. My face and eyes are grotesquely swollen, my face is distorted and I have severe bags under my eyes. (which I have NEVER had) The pain is primarily on the left side of my face, head, neck, shoulder & eyes. It does hurt on both sides now but more so on the left. Just a slight press on my cheeks causes pain and pressure. I went to my dentist to make sure all my teeth were healthy, & they were. But my dentist noticed a lump in my sinuses. I went to to the hospital over the weekend due to severe pain, & now nausea too. Plus from the beginning of this, my eyes are really sensitive to light, and they run constantly. I seem to have blurred vision on & off as well. The CT scan revealed a cyst or polyp on the right side (weird cuz I was thinking it should be on the left side) and mucol opacificatin in my sinuses as well. I am on my second round of antibiotics which are not helping at all. I am now waiting to see a Neurologist because my ENT said my sinuses and the small cyst are NOT what is causing me all of these problems. I find that really hard to believe. Even all of my teeth hurt from time to time, as they do with sinus infections. This pain is nearly unbearable. I cry everyday from the severity of the pain. A heated rice-bag seems to help a teeny bit. The left side neck & shoulder pain (feels stiff & like I have really bad stress knots in there) is pretty debilitating as well. I am hoping to get some possible suggestions as to what this could possibly be? Could it possibly be Neck Cancer, or Eye Cancer, or possibly a brain tumor or something like that? My lymph glands are also a little swollen. Here has got to be an explanation for all of this.
Jody I don’t think you have any cancer. I do think you have a very bad infection. The cyst can make you more susceptible to infections because it can interfere with the drainage of the sinus. You need to get this thing cultured so the right antibiotic can be given.
Hi Dr. Kilcup- The ENT I saw yesterday told me there was no way the cyst was causing me all of this, due to it’s lccation & it’s size. I was shocked!! He was not a very friendly guy & was quite adamant when telling me the sinuses are not the cause. He is now referring me to a Neurologist & has also ordered lots of bloodwork. Do you know of any other possibilities? Could it possibly be Chronic Lyme Disease? I am miserable & getting very discouraged in my attempt to get to the root of the problem.
Thank You for your time 🙂
Jody did the ENT say that you don’t have an infection?
Dear Jody,
I have had 2 sinus surgeries, and I cant breath, in the main time my neck is killing me. actually it is effecting my whole left side, which is making me miserable. I did my first surgery in Jordan, where the Doctor took extra bone out of my nose so I had to do it again in Germany. Recently am in Australia trying to get to the bottom of the pain.
So does the neck effect the sinus or the sinus effects the neck???
And if you found a solution Please help me or tell me what to do.
Cheers for the reply Dr Kilcup, I’m in Australia (Down Under).
Will def try to locate a good chiropractor and see what they suggest (have tried everything else from prescription pills to cortisone sprays to acupuncture to naturopaths! Henc the “googling” to try and find some other possible remedies.)
Will keep you update if I have any success.
Thanks again and best wishes for 2013
I’d like that Adz!
Thanks for the best wishes! I pray that you will get the help you need in 2013!
What causes the neck muscles to tighten so much to cause the sinus problems
Great Question Leanne! LOTS of things can start the neck muscles tightening up. Stress, sleeping wrong, injury and awkward posture are top sources of neck tightness. Once the neck starts to tighten it causes pain and that makes the muscles get tighter. It is called the Pain/Spasm/Pain Cycle.
Hello,
I’m not crazy after all! I have wondered if this is the cause of my symptons for a long while but have always been told this is not the case. I also have tried it all and seen everybody like Adj with little relieve.
I have had a clear runny nose and headaches for years which has become worse over time. It’s very embarrassing as I cannot go anywhere without tissues. My neck pain started about 5years ago, then about 2years ago my muscles in my back/shoulders started aching/burning. It now has gotten so bad that it effects my day to day living. The pain is worse at the base of my neck. In the past year my right eye burns every now and then.
I have poor posture and found out I have mild scoliosis (they said I was probably born with it) I started going to a chiropractor but my Dr adviced me against it so I have been seeing an osteopath instead which gives me relief for about 24hrs.
Kerrie
I have had chronic neck pain only after sinus infections for 5 years now. Each time I get a sinus infection, I have an achy feeling in my neck and shoulder for weeks afterward. I had a CT scan for my sinuses, but it was clear. The achiness is now straight down my vertebrae and no longer in the left shoulder like it used to be.
Thanks for stopping by Heather. Sorry for your pain. Sounds like there is a problem in your neck Heather. The two problems may be connected. Sometimes the sinus infection can cause a neck problem. You should seek out a good chiropractor and get your neck looked at. Most likely there is something wrong in your neck.
Let me know how it goes.
i have pain on my rt side of face,lips,rt infirior nossle cavity, teeth and throat from 2 years.i was diagnosed with rt maxiliry sinus infection, but now ct scan is clear.the pressur of my nerves inner side of rt upper & lower lips looks more.sawalling is also there near lips.
Could be Bells’s Palsy, TMJ or a upper cervical problem javed. Sounds like you might need a new doc.
Suffer from tightness in my neck, especially when I lay down at night. Find sleeping on my side helps as when I lay on my back I feel the tightness worsen, I get pressure in my head but no pain…just pressure?! It makes me feel breathless and worried. I do suffer from anxiety and when ever I see my GP I always get told the pressure and tightening is related to GAD but to me it feels like something else?! Sinus…pressure!! Not a nice feeling:(
Han you need a good Chiropractor!
Yes just looked up TMJ and I do constantly clench my jaw due to the medication I take for anxiety so I’m guessing this could be what is causing the tension. I clench my teeth all night, I think!! Thanks for the info xx
Hannah are you “javed”?
I’m not sure i know what that is?
Oh yes I see, javed is a person on this post. No that is not me.
Yea that is was what I was wondering. Your TMJ could be part of your problem Hannah but I promise your neck is not working right. The jaw and neck work together. A mouth guard of some kind will help your jaw. Get to a good Chiropractor for help with your neck.
Yes I will, thank you so much for the advice it’s so helpful x
My pleasure. Blessings to you.
Hi, I have chronic sinus infections and have suffered with my current one since Nov. I’ve been sent to an ENT who has put me on a three week course of antibiotics and steroids. My sinuses are visibly swollen in forehead and cheeks hurt with much pressure, but there is no drainage and since being on the mess I get dizzy and have a hard time focusing and can’t work. There is a little pain at the back of my neck and also up the left side of neck…so do you even think I even have a sinus infection?
NOVEMBER???? Its almost APRIL Dianne. Do you know what the definition of insanity is? OY!
First it does sound like you could have a bacterial or viral sinus infection or it could be allergies. I don’t think this is PRIMARILY a neck problem but by now your neck is part of the problem.
I’m very concerned about your immune system. Having you on these kinds of drugs this long is really bad for you. What are you doing to HELP YOU? The drugs kill and screw up your normal physiology. I know there is a time and purpose for drugs. However you need to be doing things to help make you stronger. Your immune system needs help. You need a doctor who understands this and can help you.
We could do that over the phone and with blood work. If you are interested let me know and we can get started.
I would also encourage you to read my article on what to do after antibiotics and the one on home treatment for sinus problems.
Hope that helps.
Here is the links to the two articles that have helpful stuff for you Dianne.
http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2011/05/allergy-sinus-relief/
http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2013/02/after-taking-antibiotics/
Hi, I have just found your post, I suffered damage to my neck 9 months ago in a car accident followed by a second car accident two moths later, i still suffer with the injuries in my neck, and am suffering with headaches, in one side of my head, pain in the left hand side of my face, and pins and needles and numbness in my left arm, I have been back to my doctor with these symptoms and she has told me it is acute sinusitis, is it more likely to be because of my neck or would a bought of sinusitis cause the pain in my neck to feel worse?
advice greatly appreciated, thank you
Mercy Rachel! Your poor neck. Have you done anything for your neck? From what you have told me I doubt you have a sinus problem. I need more info. to be confident.
I’ve had tightness and pain from my neck, back and shoulders since being a child. Over the past year my sinus problems got so bad i had allergy tests, a scan and even a septoplasty to no success. It makes so much sense that my neck would cause these issues but nobody has told me this before. I just wanted to say thanks and I’ll update with my progress in a few weeks time.
Thanks for the feedback Ted and I look forward to hearing how it goes!
I have had a sinus infection since last November. It is thick green mucus which smells real bad, like something has died. I have had 3courses of antibiotics, an x ray, a camera up my nose, which showed I have a severely deformed septum. I then had a c.t scan and have been given an appt at ent in 7 weeks. When I enquired as to why so long, was told it just a routine appt, so doesn’t sound like they taking it fancy further. Also, am seeing an osteopath for severe neck pain, which started a few months ago. Can you give me any advise, please, as I am so sick of this now. Many thanks.
Elaine I am sorry you have had such a miserable time. I know how frustrating being sick can be. Let me try to help. There are 2 parts to your story that I can read.
The first is your sinus issues. Your immune system is not working very well and your sinus are prone to collecting stuff like pollen and bacteria. In order to figure out what is going on with your immune system I need lab work. This is something I can do with patients like you over the mail and internet. If your interested contact me and I can give you more info. The issues with the deformed septum mean that you need to irrigate your sinus cavities daily to keep them clean. I wrote a article on this: http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2011/05/allergy-sinus-relief
The second issue is your neck. I can’t ever remember a patient of mine come to me with severe neck pain that did not feel way better within a week or two. Even patients with herniated cervical discs get better in 2 to 3 weeks. If your doctor is not getting rid of your pain after months its time to find someone better.
Hope that helps. 🙂
Very interesting theory and I believe you. Here is my situation: I had a sore neck, had a massage, and immediately after, my nose started dripping, I was sneezing and my right eye is very sore – feels like there’s a grain of sand stuck in it. I have had issues with spring allergies in the last few years, but these symptoms began so quickly – right after that massage which felt very good!ny ideas?
Marge if your asking if I think its possible that the massage caused your nose and eye symptoms I need more information. Has this happened before?
I have had what felt like full sinuses after other massages, but it didn’t last long and was not accompanied by a dripping nose or eye symptoms. I assumed that this sensation was because of my head pressing into the pillow (forehead). What was interesting about this time was how these symptoms flared up so quickly. My sinuses feel fine now but my eye is very sore. I have been to a chiropractor who doesn’t think there’s much of a connection between the neck and sinuses (sorry!) and now have some ointment for an eye infection.
It sounds like there may have been something in the pillow your eye or sinuses didn’t like. If you sinuses drain after you lie face down for a while you would really benefit from cleaning out your sinuses. My article on allergy sinus relief would be good for you to check out. http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2011/05/allergy-sinus-relief
Blessings to you!
Thanks – I do have a neti pot and will use it again!
Been battling sinus problems for little over a year been on antibiotics for almost a year no relief. X ray/allergy test/camera up the nose say all good. But I have a constant drip feel dragged out and body feels tired and heavy any thoughts on what I can do?
The first thing I would recommend Fits is see a good chiropractor! If that doesn’t fix it then we need to do some lab testing to figure out what is wrong. One thing is pretty clear, your drip and fatigue is not a result of an deficiency of antibiotics. 😉 It sounds to me like it high time to consider other possible problems.
Thanks Dr. Kilcup any ideas on what I should suggest on getting tested? I will try the chiropractor as I do have poor posture.
I can help you with the lab work. It requires specialized training that I have. I can do it with you over the phone, internet and mail. If you read my latest article on vitamins it will give you an idea of what I’m talking about.
I am optimistic that quality chiropractic care will be a tremendous help for you. Please let me know how it goes.
Ok I will let ya know how it goes and thanks for the help
I have flued in my frontal sinuses and take a stairoid nose spray for my headachs,dizziness,and noise sensitivety. After a few days of this treatment I feel alot better and try stopping the nose spray. After just a day or two without all my symptoms return and when at their worst cause major neck tension and an overwhelmed feeling like I’m going crazy! The noise sensitivity can get quite bad. Any suggestions as to what the problem is, it’s been months and I don’t have an infection of some sort.
Alexis here are my thoughts:
1. Do you know why your sinus fills up? Allergy? Infection?
2. Steroids are not something you should be on for extended periods of time.
3. You really need a some good Chiropractic care. Regardless if the neck is causing the sinus problem or the sinus is causing the neck problem. It seems pretty clear that you have both a sinus and neck problem now.
Have you ever tried using something like I wrote about here: http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2011/05/allergy-sinus-relief ?
Ive been battling a symptom that no one can seem to answer Ive had blood work ran with nothing showing up. I feel pressure behind my ears sometimes and i have drainage going down the back of my throat and a feeling of almost being strangled sometimes very tight, but the next symptom is the one that makes me crazy, it feels like my eyes are being pulled, either the sensation is like they are being pulled back into my head or like they are trying to cross, after researching and dealing with neck pain and stiffness im starting to wonder could this be from my neck?… I have had a lot of Chiros want to pop my neck and i always have this fear and wont let them…. I would love to know what you think, I appreciate your thoughts thank you
Hi Pat. Sorry about all your problems. How frustrating!
Why wouldn’t you let the chiros pop your neck?
As far as why I wont let them is mostly because I have a huge fear of it when i was younger i had a chiro pop it and it literally almost made me pass out so as soon as someone touches my neck i just tense up and cant seem to relax enough to let them,,,, I know by the way my neck feels that it needs work but my concern is now could it be making this feeling on my eyes happen, I know that the sinus stuff now makes sense as they can never find any reason for me to feel the sinus symptoms like the drainage and ears eelign full and such….
I understand. I have had many patients like you. I do think that getting your neck some help would help. You need to have a doc that earns your trust…then trust and find out that getting your neck fixed up is wonderful.
Pat,
Just wandering if you ever found relief from your eye stretching thing and other symptoms. I have that same thing and was curious. Thanks!
Mine started with dizziness, ear pain and hoarse voice in October 2012. I took loaratidine, but had to stop since it gave me palpitations. I went to an ENT specialist who diagnozed Sinusitis and prescribed nasal spray, hot water inhalation and another drug for the ear pain. I had relief for a while. Now i have ear pain, neck pain, headache, sores in the mouth , teeth ache amongst others. I went back to the ENT and was asked to have xray and endoscopy done. Can you help with an idea of what can be going on with me. Thanks.
Hi Helen,
Sorry to hear about your experience. I’ll do my best to see if I can help. I have a some questions for ya.
What did the ENT conclude from the xray and endoscopy?
Have you seen a dentist to see if there is anything wrong with your teeth?
How long did the nasal spray (what was in the spray?) and hot water and pain drug work?
Has anyone cultured your throat?
What does the ENT think is causing the ear pain?
Have you seen anyone else for this problem?
Thank you so much for your prompt feedback.
Please find my responses in line.
What did the ENT conclude from the xray and endoscopy?
R: I haven’t done the xray nor the endoscopy yet. I have to take the results with me to my next appointment which isn’t until mid July. I will get the tests done before then surely.
Have you seen a dentist to see if there is anything wrong with your teeth?
R: I haven’t seen a dentist yet. Could all this be teeth related?
How long did the nasal spray (what was in the spray?) and hot water and pain drug work?
R: I used the nasal spray on and off for about a month, i stopped cause i read that using for a long period has its own adverse effect. So give and take, the combination of the three worked for a month plus.
Has anyone cultured your throat?
R: No!
What does the ENT think is causing the ear pain?
R: They think its the Sinusitis.
Have you seen anyone else for this problem?
R: Other than the ENT specialists, no. Should i be seeing anyone else?
I should say that the dizziness stopped after my initial visit to the ENT and the voice got better too, but the pains are still there, they come on and off.
I will appreciate any advise!
My pleasure to help Helen!
It really looks to me like there has not been due dilligence in your case.
I would see a dentist to determine if anything is wrong there. You need to get your throat cultured to see if there is some sort of infection. I really do think you need another ENT. If for nothing else a second opinion is really needed.
Your neck could be part of the problem. The things I outlined are first things. If the results are negative then seeing a good chiropractor is a must.
Let me know what happens!
Thanks Dr. Kilcup!
I will do as advised and hope that there’s a change for the better. You have been very helpful.
Thanks.
My Pleasure!
Take Care.
Im facing constant head tightness, face,nose and jaw pressure..for about 5 months now.. my doctor had my x-ray done which showed mucus thickening in left frontal sinus.. but my doc said its not the reason because i dont have pain.. its like weird pressure feeling inside head and nose is stuffy.. either side i can feel mucus is blocked and doesnt comes out.. im having anti allergy but symptoms persists 24/7 constantly..
Hi Lita,
You should give a Chiropractic physician a try.
Hi all – ill tell you my symptoms and hopefully you can advise me 🙂
I have 2 herniated discs (T3 & T4) which cause me a lot of pain periodically. Recently I started to get a very stiff neck, pain in my neck and shoulders, crunching/clicking sound from my neck when I move my head. When I turn in the night my husband can hear it cracking and crunching !. Anyway this past 2 weeks I have woken up twice with swollen eyelids, it looked as though I had been punched in the eyes – the swelling was followed by little purple/red pin prick type blood spots around my eyes. This happened twice. There was also redness around my eyes and down my cheeks. I still have the neck and shoulder pain, but it is now extending to my head, up one side behind mt right ear and a pressure feeling on my head, temples and face, and slight earache. I had assumed my neck pain was an extension of my back problems – but now wondering if it could be sinus problems ? What do you think ? Thankyou in advance !
Hi Saffy,
I hear more than one thing going on.
1. You have a neck and back problem and a good chiropractor will help you a ton.
2. You have an infection of some kind in your eyes and sinus that needs dx.
I would pet both things addressed ASAP!
Does that make sense?
Hello Dr. Kilcup,
This is a relatively long post, it is a rather complicated issue, so I apologize for that.
I’ve been having some problems that seem to confuse the doctors I’ve seen, rightfully so. The first two symptoms I had were ringing in my ears and muscle twitches all over my body. I got a hearing test which came back normal, and the doc said my muscle twitching was benign.
About 4-5 months after this started happening I got these weird symptoms in my eyes. It would only happen when my head was on the pillow and I was trying to go to sleep. They would move back and forth, kind of how I would imagine your eyes move during REM sleep, but maybe a little slower. Neck related? Went to eye doc, they looked at me like I was crazy. Also, I had a couple episodes of dizziness/light headed.
A couple weeks after the eye symptoms I got a pretty bad cold virus. One of the worst runny noses I’ve ever had. During this the muscle twitching was the worst it had ever been. They were stronger and lasted longer.
After the virus I felt fatigued all the time and had a bunch of random symptoms. I felt slightly dizzy/light-headed at times. Random nausea that would last a day or so. I would lose my balance randomly, but only a very slightly. I felt a little bit slower, harder to concentrate. This along with pressure behind and between my eyes, and my eye would do this weird twitching.
Went to the GP, they suggested an ENT. Went to the ENT. Got antibiotics and steroids and did nasal rinses. Didn’t do anything for me. Got a CT scan. CT scan showed moderate inflammation: 3-4 mm in ethmoid sinuses and 1-3 in maxillary. Clear mucous, no signs of infection. Suggested surgery despite being unimpressed by the amount of “moderate” inflammation. Suggested I see an eye doctor for my eye symptoms because he thought they were unrelated, eye doc thought it could be sinus related (so confusing).
Had the minimally invasive surgery. Deviated septum correction, and balloon to widen openings.
I’m 3 months post surgery and still dealing with symptoms.
Symptoms that remain:
-Tinnitus
-Eye twitching that is visible to other people, is worse when eyes are closed. (vision fine. eye doctor dismissed it as sinus problem)
-Chronic blepharitis
-Minor chronic fatigue and brain fog. Feel like im never 100%. Like I’m always 60-70%
-Minor chronic headaches
-Tenderness on upper part of bride of nose, between eyes
-Sinuses feel inflamed, partially closed. Like I draw in less air
-Random muscle twitching gradually faded, but will still have a random twitch here and there
So basically I have no idea where to go from here. I thought it might be neck related, at least partially, because I was working as a driver, and in the van I was driving the seat was fixed and it forced me to lean my head back all the time, which would put pressure on a part of my neck. 9 months at this job maybe cause this. Also, my eye symptoms seem to get worse when I lean my head back and when I am lying down (head resting on pillow). Although, I have no pain in my neck.
Could it be some kind of post viral syndrome because a lot of this stuff started happening after I had a virus?
Could it be neurological because of the weird twitching all over my body, although that seems to have subsided.
I also heard about something called migraine equivalent syndrome which seems like it could be a fit.
Is it just chronic sinus inflammation issue that no know on can figure out the cause to and is resisting treatment?
I know this is a giant wall of text, so if you do end up reading this I just want to thank you for any input. It is much appreciated.
-Jay
Hi Jay,
Thanks for all the details. You would be crazy not to seek good Chiropractic care. Chiropractic care will be the safest thing you’ve tried so far.
The other thing the comes to mind as I read your story is a heavy metal toxicity issue. Many of your symptoms can come from to much lead, mercury or aluminum. If you’re interested in testing to see if you have a heavy metal problem I can help you.
For sure seek out a good chiropractor!
hello Dr. Kilcup
I had a sinus infection in jan. i decided to let it heal itself because i read that they usually do. I have had pain near my temples and it runs all the way back to behind my ears. Its not overwhelming and it usually is only real bad when i am pushing on it. It gets worse late at night, sometimes in the morning, when its real humid out, and when i play golf. I also have had pretty bad neck pain this whole time. Saw an ENT, allergist, and my primary and they all want an mri of the head but i want to try to figure it out without having to do that especially cause i was born with a kidney issue and the gallodium isnt great for your kidneys. I have been put on nasal spray and it seems to help a little but i cant seem to find out what is causing this could it be a neck issue??
Hi Brett!
Just don’t push on it! 🙂
Seriously based on what you told me I think that this could be caused by your neck. Getting some chiropractic treatment to see if it helps is much safer for you than the MRI.
You want a chiropractor who will work on the muscles, fascia and joints of the neck. Let me put it this way. If the treatment takes 5 minutes or less the doctor is not doing what I think you need.
Let me know what happens!
I have pain that starts at the left side of my nose andgoes down by neck into my shoulder near the middle of my back. when i pull my neck forward it is stiff and painful. is this my sinius or something else and what should i do.
Hi Terri,
How is the pain in your nose connected to your neck? Is it two separate pains or are they connected. If they are connected describe the connection.
more of a burning feeling in my nose a stiffness with pain in my neck and the a pain in middle of my shoulder. there is like a pressure point in my shoulder that i can get someone to massage and it helps with the shoulder pain.if that all makes sense!
So tell me if I understand.
You have three separate pains that are happening at the same time. Right?
Tell me where the neck pain is, which came first the nose or the neck pain and how long you have had this.
it kind of goes from nose to behind the ear and into my neck down to shoulder
When you pull your head forward does it affect the nose pain?
no just the neck and the shoulder
most of the same pain except the nose is kind of a burn feel. this has went on for years. off and on not every day.
Terri it sounds like getting looked at by a good Chiropractor might help you. Obviously without seeing you I have to give you my best guess.
Let me know how it goes!
Thanks
Hi Dr.Kilcup,
I recently had a bout with rt molar pain and swelling, went to the dentist prescribed me antibiotics for 7 days – tooth still hurt but not as bad, I have noticed neck pain, that seems connected to sinus pressure/ no stuffiness just pressure and headache behind my rt eye. I have a herniated disc in C5/6, from auto accident 6yrs ago. when I run my fingers along my neck I feel a “knot” and when I put pressure on it my nose releases and so does the head ache. How can I release the tightness in my neck muscles SAFELY? scared of chiro’s because of my herniation….do you suggest massage/ neck exercises? THANKYOU!!! I thought I was going nuts trying to explain what I have been experiencing until I found your post!!
Hi Elsie! Great to hear from you. I agree with everything you have concluded. The best person for you to see is a good Chiropractor. Honestly! I treat people like you everyday. The herniated disc is just one of many things a doctor has to factor in with treatment. Your treatment should include massage, stretching and gentle specific adjustments to your upper cervical spine.
oh forgot to mention I have prior to my tooth pain, I have been having pain in my jaw for about 2-3 months when opening sometimes pops.
Your neck and jaw work together. If your neck is not working right it will mess up the jaw function. Get to a good doc!
I have been suffering with a clogged ear and sinus pressure for about 3 weeks. I went to an ENT and no ear infection / sinus was scoped no problems.
I recently went trap shooting and ended up with a really bad bruise on my cheek and a swollen face for about 10 days. This was a few days before the issue with my sinus started up. Could the recoil from the 12 gauge have pinched a nerve in my c1/c2 causing this issue? I didnt think about it until I read your article. I had assumed it was due to the dust from our home remodel.
I have some neck pain around the base of my neck and my shoulder. I also feel like I dont have full mobility turning my neck from far side to far side. The ear clogging is also worse on the side of my face that I had the bruise.
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Larry,
You need to read my article: http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2013/06/when-an-ear-infection-is-a-neck-problem/
I would definitely recommend that you seek quality chiropractic care. A shotgun recoil is going to rearrange many things!
The dust is also an issue. This article should be a help for your dust: http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2011/05/allergy-sinus-relief/
Thanks for stopping by. Let me know what happens!
I have had severe sinus and ear problems on and off for years. I have used saline spray in my nose and drops in my ear but to no avail. I have tried other types of nasal spray and seem to develop sinus infections when I use them.
Currently I am suffering from migraine type pain plus worse which has gone on for about five days. It is sickening and feels as though it radiates from my neck up. I get dizzy all the time, and have a whooshing sound in my ears. My face is so painful even to touch and my gosh when I put my head down I just about scream. I have seen my doctor and he gave me the same stuff (nasal spray) that has made it worse in the past, even after my protesting he still suggested it.
This has gone on for years and I am so tired of it. I am a single mother to two children and it absolutely drains me, please help?
Wow Kim. You need to see a good chiropractor! I wish you lived in Phoenix! Helping moms is one of my favorite things. From what you have told me I know you will get relief from getting your neck working right. There might be other issues but I would start there. If getting your neck right isn’t enough then perhaps doing some blood work to see what else is going on would help. I can help with the lab work.
Please let me know how it goes!
Hello Doctor,
For the past year i have had problems with my sinus being congested and i hope you could help.
When i go to sleep and lye on my left side, my left sinus becomes blocked and if i turn to my right, my right side is blocked. I wake up in the morning feeling exhausted every day and this is really affecting my daily routine. I do not get sufficient restorative sleep and wake up with a lot of aches and pains and i believe this is all caused from my blocked sinus and poor breathing at night.
I have tried 3-4 different types of antibiotics and nothing has helped so my doctor told me to get an allergy test, and they found i had allergies, although i have taken weekly allergy shots, corticosteroids, sinus rinses, and tried almost every kind of antihistamine for 5 months and nothing seems to work. I feel that i actually get zero relief from any allergy medication. The sinus pressure is always there, although its not so bad when im standing up.
Ever since i have had sinus trouble, i have also had neck pain. My neck seems to throb 24/7 and some days i also have very bad headaches.
When i massage my neck, i also notice that my sinuses clear up a little, although the next day i wake up with a blocked sinus. When i blow my nose, nothing seems to come out except for maybe a little white clear stuff. I have had x-rays on my nose and they found nothing wrong.
I would really appreciate any help.
Hi Frank. Sounds like a very frustrating situation.
I doubt you have an infection. My guess is that you have had the allergies much longer than the current troubles with your sinuses. With the lack of impact from all the allergy treatments I doubt the allergies are the problem.
I got some questions for you.
How long does it take for the blockage of the sinuses when you lie on your side?
What happens if you lie on your back?
Did a EENT actually “look” up into your sinus cavities?
Yes that is correct, I have had seasonal allergies for many years, although they were very mild (sneezing and watery eyes, i never had any congestion) although taking an antihistamine would quickly get rid of the symptoms and i would be fine for another year.
It does not take very long for my sinus to close up when i lay on my side, i would say it takes between 5 to 15 minutes although most times i am not aware of it, unless i am still awake. Seems like it just gradually closes up very slowly. When i lye on my back, it just randomly picks a side to block up.I have never had both sides blocked up at the same time. It always alternates from one side to the other.
I went to an ENT and he took a look and didn’t find anything wrong and he gave me a script for sleeping pills to help, but here i am a year later and still
have this sinus congestion. I have tried almost everything from eating healthy to exercising every day and it only makes me feel slightly better, theres not really much of a difference with my sinus congestion.
My neck has been also very sore, and i have a throbbing sensation at the back of my neck and my sinuses also throb.Its been like this since July 2012. Some days are worse than others.I am a healthy 48 year old male (don’t drink or smoke) and the only medication i am taking is for high cholestrol.
Thanks Frank,
I have two suspicions.
1. You have some sort of growth in your sinus cavity that is floppy enough to be influenced by gravity. I would see another EENT and have it scoped and or imaged with an MRI.
2. Obviously you have something wrong with your neck and getting it fixed will help.
So far it doesn’t seem to me that the doctors are thinking about what you are telling them. You don’t need sleeping pills or other drugs when the problem isn’t understood. Sounds like you’re going to have to be insistent that they keep digging until this is figured out.
Good Luck! I would love to hear how this goes.
Thank you very much sir i appreciate your advice and will make an appointment with an ENT and follow up here.
I have had neck pain for about two weeks now. I am normally very healthy with only allergy issues from time to time. When I wake up it is pretty severe and gradually gets better throughout the day. I do have ear pressure with it. It feels like the pain you get when you sleep wrong, but I have tried different pillows and even went out of town and slept in a hotel and still the same pain in the morning. I don’t know where to start for help. I have to admit I am very scared to get my neck worked on.
Hi Heather,
I understand your fear. I often get patients that are very nervous. A good doc will listen and make you comfortable with everything BEFORE doing anything. You just need a good chiropractor.
I think it is pretty obvious that your neck need some help. Have you read my article the neck and the ear?
http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2013/06/when-an-ear-infection-is-a-neck-problem
Ask around. You will find people who love their chiropractor. Start be calling the doc and see if you are comfortable on the phone and go from there.
Good luck!
Thank you! I think it is great that you are on here helping and responding to people who are in pain!
Its my pleasure Heather. I really do enjoy helping.
Sign up to get my articles as soon as I write them!
Dr. Kilcup
I went to the dentist and had my teeth x-rayed. He told me my left lower sinus was ‘cloudy’ and asked me if I had any sinus problems. I do not. My head doesn’t hurt nor does my face where the sinus cavity is and my nose isn’t stuffy or runny. After reading your column I am wondering if this pain I am having in my neck on the left side might be connected to the ‘cloudy’ sinus. I was attributing the neck problem to a former problem I’ve had since ’85 when I hurt my neck so bad I could hardly use my left arm. I went to a chiropractor and after considerable treatment I got relief. I still go every now and then when it acts up again but haven’t been lately as my insurance changed and doesn’t pay much any more. I was already thinking about making another appt. because I have not been able to get much relief even tho I now know how to massage the area myself. Could this be related to my sinus? Dentist told me I should go see an Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. Am considering that also but thought I’d try my chiropractor first and see what he thinks.
Hi Judy,
Very interesting. Have you ever had your sinus x-rayed in the past to compare this too?
Dr Kilcup,
I am 34 yrs old. I had sinus problems since childhood. It used to occur every year during Mansoon period. However, 2 yrs ago I had stressed my neck and during those period my working routine was also very stressful. Within a month during that period, one morning I was unable to get up from my bed. I had a very stiff neck. After assistance i cud just get up and thereafter things started becoming normal. This continued for one more day. Thereafter, after several precautions taken for neck, my neck stiffness reduced. Nowadays, I find a pulsating/radiating pain just above the heart slightly on the left side with mild sinuses espcially when I feel stressed. This pain is getting worser by the day. I started jogging in the weekends and also did around 20 sit ups. Within few days my neck pain has also started.
Pls advice me.
Hi San,
It sounds like your neck has some problems that chiropractic can help. I need a lot more information about your chest and sinus problems. I would recommend seeking care. You have a lot going on that a detailed history and examination is needed. If you are near Phoenix I would be happy to see you.
Hi Dr.Kilcup
I really appreciate your help .
I am 21 yrs old male ,and there is ache in my frontal sinuses ,also ct scan didn’t show anything and all of my sinuses are normal except tiny infection in maxillary sinus.
from last year i am suffering from headache (frontal sinus ache ) every day,i wake up with this ache and i sleep with it,it cause sleep disorders.
but about two months ago back of my neck became to hurt and when i wake up it hurt more also i can’t sneeze,but when i sneeze the pain is relieve a bit and there is nasal congestion with ear pain,and right side of throat pain.
Thanks very much Doctor
Hi Salar,
Seek out good chiropractic care. See my article on Allergy Sinus Relief and give that a try!
Dr. Kilcup,
I am 15 years old, about 2 months ago my right nostril has been blocked and I can feel something into my throat. I have underwent medication since then… I have tried decongestants and Carbocisteine but none of them work. Is there a possibility that it might be a neck problem? Because I’m also experiencing severe neck pains and sometimes double vision.
whether unreplied; I sincerely thank you for the informations above .
Hi Ken-Ken!
It could be a neck problem. I would give the treatment I talk about in “Allergy Sinus Relief” a try.
Where are you from?
thanks Doc, I’m from Philippines
Hi, Dr. PLEASE HELP. I’m desperate. I’ve been told i have a staph infection in my sinus cavities. I’ve had it for years… I got the balloon sinuplasty about 2 months ago and that’s how they found out it was a staph infection. So i got the surgery while still having horrible, strong staph infection. My specialist wouldn’t listen to me, because i was still trying to tell him that i felt horrible and still had headaches that occurred about 2 weeks after the surgery. So i went to the ER 2 days ago because im in between insurances. I’m getting my new insurance this coming month. But anyways, the ER doctor told me i still had the infection when i went it. This is literally getting in the way of my life, love life and work. It’s horrible. I only feel somewhat better when i take the pain killers the ER doc gave me. I’ve taken atleast 20 different anti biotics over the last 3 years. Now the ER doc just told me i need to go see my specialist cause he needs to take a second look. I’m honestly scared, because now, my neck feels tight and i’ve never experienced that before. EVER. I would just like some assurance that maybe this is an easy fix? I’m just scared and shell shocked becuase i got so sick one time, they wanted to admit me, about 3 years ago when i was 17, i am now 20. They say now it’s due to my sinuses being so infected. I dont know what to do. Is there any advise you can maybe give me that i can consult with my doctor about? I’m so young and want to live my life, work and go to school. Anything would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
BTW, I’ve had lymph nodes in my throat for years as well. When i get extremely sick they will swell up, like the size of a golf ball. When im not “sick” they are still a little bigger than a marble. I dont know if that will help you with any conclusions. But thank you for anything you can help me out with
– Shannon Walker
I’m sorry doc, but heres some more info. The ER doc gave me a shot of Ref-something, i can’t remember the name but it is an antibiotic. It was painful and was administered in the buttock area. After that i filled my prescription for augementin, It’s due every 8 hours, and i’vebeen following it as directed since i got out the of the ER. After the surgery though, my specialist put me on levoquin as well and it obviously didn’t work.
Shannon I can feel your frustration! Has anyone bothered to actually swab your sinus and grow a culture to see if there really is an infection and what exactly it is? I would ask your doctor to do that. If that comes back positive for a specific bug then take the drug they prescribe to kill it. Then have the same test done to confirm that the drug worked.
Your neck pain will respond great to good chiropractic care.
If the drugs don’t work your only other good option is to get a very in depth work up like I do and get to the bottom of what is wrong. Very few doctors will take the time to figure out what is the real problem.
Let me know what happens!
Dr. Kilcup,
I have been suffering with upper neck pain for at least 2 years. It really affects my daily life. I have been going to chiropractor, massage, and acupuncture for awhile now. I feel better more often now, but still not fully. It’s like my upper neck towards skull hurts so bad and I put heat on it and sometimes it helps and other times it doesn’t. I just feel helpless. I am on,y 24 years old and can’t live like this forever. Sometimes it think I might have a sinus blockage. But I just don’t know what to do anymore. Thanks, hope you have some insight.
Christine I don’t think you have a sinus problem. It sounds to me like you need to do some detective work with your chiropractor to figure out what is keeping this problem from resolving. Unless you have had some trauma to your neck the big thing is to figure out what your doing to aggravate your neck. You also need t be given exercises and things to do at home that will help.
Check out my article on “The Best Home Treatment for Back Pain”. Give ice a try and see if helps.
Does that make sense?
Hi
I’m at the end of my tether. I suffer from sinus issues and have done relentlessly for years.I have had ENT surgery for polyps but still feel like I have cold like symptoms everyday. Just recently I presented (for the third time) before an ENT consultant who scanned the sinuses and conducted other examinations. He simply could not find anything wrong and even showed me the scans and talked me through them. In fact, he says that my sinuses look really healthy.
I do have problems with tension headaches and again have done most of my life. I have had extensive chiropractic treatment which helps but within days my neck starts to feel tense. I do notice however that when I I stretch my neck I get a kind of air popping sound as if pressure is releasing from the sinuses, and when I sleep on one side I feel pressure and then this popping of air happens again.
I feel really worried about all this and it has in fact led to horrible anxiety because quite frankly no one can give me a diagnosis and I actually feel like the doctors don’t believe me. I also feel slightly dizzy at times and particulartly when I stretch my neck by looking upwards. I do know that my SMC is constantly tight but I am not sure what to do because I can’t be at the massage or chiropractor everyday – who could afford that ?
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I have a mega diet an my bloods are okay. My blood pressure drugs do have warnings about cold and flu symptoms but the official clinical trials on this show that it is at 3 percent and similar to the placebo studies.
Thanks
Well that’s my miserable story.
Many thanks
Martin I wish you lived in Phoenix. If the chiropractic care worked then it is what you need. However if it only worked for a short time it means that the treatment was not addressing everything that is wrong. You need to find a doctor that will listen and work with you.
If you are ever in Phoenix look me up and I will get you fixed up!
Hi, I stumbled on this article after trying to find out what the heck might be wrong with me. I have had chronic neck pain for going on 7 years now. It just came out of nowhere one day, it borders on debilitating and no one can really seem to tell me why. The pain is at the base of my skull every single day. And when it flares up it reaches all the way down between my shoulders. I also get “migraines” that I know are related to the neck pain, because the worse my neck hurts, the worse my head hurts. Once or twice a month it gets to the point where I throw up and have a hard time breathing. I also have daily sinus pressure, which is how I stumbled across your amazingly informative article. The strange thing though is that I have seen chiropractors before. Less than 6 months ago I went at least 3 times a month for 4 months, and the neck pain seemed to get worse. Do you have any thoughts? Sorry to be so long winded, I’ve been trying to find an answer for years, and I’m only 28 so most doctors dismiss me as a drug seeker, even though I hate taking meds. Thanks!
Kaytee,
Tell me about the chiropractic care you had.
hi,i’m tahmi.i’ve tight muscle in neck area and when i move my neck,some click,pop sound occours. also i’ve sinus type pain.it starts in upper neck area,a pain that goes in and out and it radiates to nose and ear area,terrible eye pain and headaches. i took some antibiotics,it helps the headaches and eye pain.i also took heat therapy that eased the neck pain but the pain didn’t totally go…then i took “flupenthixol melitracen”for like 5 month,the pain just totally vanished…but now when i discontinued this med,it came back..but not that much pain.. is this because of my tight muscles.. please help.no docs getting my problem.
Tahmi where are you from?
It sounds like your neck is not working right. The heat and drugs will not fix the neck. You also need to be getting plenty of probiotics. Look at my article: http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2013/02/after-taking-antibiotics/
You need to see a good chiropractor and get your neck fixed!
thanx,doc.
i’m from bangladesh.I’ve seen every type of doc, it’s really hard to find a good doc here.whenever i try to explain my problems to them,they look at me as if i’m mading all this up.my neck xray shows that my neckbone got a little straight. one of my pain management docs told me there is no way that a neck pain cause all the rest pain.i stopped trying everything,just fed up with all of this.. could you tell me anything that would help ease my head related pain ? I’m sorry doc i’m bothering you this way.It’s been more than 2 years now,no solution…and yeah thanks for your reply:)
My previous chiropractic care was normally just neck adjustments. At first I went in and got x-rays and he said my neck didn’t have enough of a curve to it, and that I should have much more range of motion, so I went and got adjusted 3 times a week for 2 weeks and then twice a week for the next couple months. Every once in a while he would crack between my shoulders as well. I expected it to make a huge difference, but I found that after the first couple times I was actually in more pain. I stuck with it for a few months before I just had to give up, the migraines were getting too bad. I am a HUGE fan of chiropractic care. I think most of the time drugs like muscle relaxers and pain meds just make you hurt yourself more, so I was a little disappointed. I’m thinking there must be some other underlying problem. I did have a positive test for lyme disease once which was never treated, but the doctors assured me that it could not be what’s causing my pain. So I’m left confused
Katee you need a chiropractor who will do more than adjust you. I suspect that there are myofascial and muscle problems. These problems need to be specifically worked on. Specific stretching, massage and myofascial release will get the rest of the problem fixed. Just cracking the neck and back is not enough. For example my average hands on treatment time on a patient is 15 minutes. The cracking part takes less than a minute. The other 14 minutes I am working on fixing the other components.
Does that make sense?
That does make sense, and thank you for your input. I have never even heard the term myofascial pain before. After reading a little about it, it does seem a lot like what I’m experiencing. I will try and search for a better chiropractor. It’s slim pickings here in my rural area, but I’m sure it would be worth a drive every now and then. Thanks you for taking the time to try and help me figure it out. I
Hi, I have sinus pressure in my nose off and on my whole life…not a big deal everyone gets sinuses. I started going to the chiropractor about 6months ago and ever since then I have had severe neck, nose and.head pressure off and on. Also numbing of the face, all on my right side. I remember when he made the first few neck adjustments and the right side of my face was totally numb and I had so much preassure in my nasal cavity I couldn’t look down at work to read. I told him about it and he said in was sinuses…I have never had sinuses like that in my life. Not sure what to do. I don’t have a family doctor…
Wow Brittany that doesn’t sound good! I don’t know what the doctor did but it doesn’t sound like what was done was good for you. I don’t think this is a sinus problem. I wouldn’t go back to that doctor.
What are you feeling now?
Did you ever find out what was causing your issue? I have had similar problems after being adjusted. Mine have been attributed to allergies, though I’m not so sure.
Hi,
Been suffering severe chronic headaches in frontal sinuses for over two years. Have seen chiropractors, U.C. Chiros, nutritionists, trigger point guys, acupuncturists, ENTs, allergists, neurologists, you name it. My headaches are awful and ALWAYS THERE – very cloudy pain. And It only gets worse an hr after I lift weights. I’m not sure what is wrong with me but I need help ASAP. I’ve endured these headaches far too long. I would go to mayo clinic but I can’t afford it. Ill be honest – I’ve probable have heard and done what you are going to tell me, but I’m always going to listen. Thank you
Hi Adam,
That sounds terrible! Has any treatment helped your headaches temporally?
I have been treated for sinus issues for over 15 years with no benefit, nose still very congested and painful. I am sure the meds are also interfering with my mental health. Do you know what I could do to alleviate this problem?
thanks
Sue your problem could be connected to your neck. Seeing a good Chiropractor would be an excellent idea!
I have always had sinus infections and with a course of antibiotics it has been treated, 18 months ago, I had an injury to my nose and recently found I have a damaged nasal septum. This after a ct scan and examination is going to be treated with fess surgery soon. I have had in the last 10 months chronic sinusitis of the ethmoid sinuses and a nasty ear infection lasting 2 months which I have never experienced before. My concern is I have a severe stiff neck and a ringing in my ear, is this related? I’m now worried this won’t be cured with surgery? I am also on my 9th course ofantibiantibiotics and recently prescribed amitriptyline for the pain and to aid sleep.
Cheryl I think you have potentially 4 problems. Your neck, your sinuses, your intestines and your immune system. You need to get your neck looked at by a quality Chiropractor. I suspect that your immune system is not working well because of how long this has gone on. I am pretty sure that due to all the antibiotics your gut is now damaged. Aren’t you glad you asked? 😉 Any questions?
Thank you, I will definitely look to see a chiropractor and yes I’m pleased I asked 🙂
Cheryl feel free to ask any follow up questions. God Bless!
Hi Again
Thanks for your advise and I just wanted to say that I have read all the comments on here now and everything makes sense to my sinus issues! I had a whiplash injury over 25 years ago and never really resolved, I also had an MRI scan in 2008 and they found that C4-7 have bulges and scoliosis. How many treatments do you think I should need to have some significant relief? thanks Sue
Sue you should notice that the treatment is helping right from the beginning. How much treatment you need is impossible to predict. With your history I know good Chiropractic care will be a big help in many ways. Let me know how things go!
I’ve been having headaches for over a year now. I’ve had MRIs, CAT scans, two CBCs and the only thing found is I have bone spurs in my neck. The difficulty I have in accepting this as the problem is that the neck stiffness and headaches come and go, seemingly w/ no rhyme or reason in terms of strain or irritation of neck. What is the likelihood that the bone spurs are causing my headaches and neck discomfort? Thanks.
Hi Wayne,
I would have to see the films to tell you what the spurs are causing. I can tell you that most problems that involve the spine are not due to the parts in the spine, but rather HOW THOSE PARTS WORK TOGETHER. All the imaging you have had do nothing to show how the neck is functioning. In my experience the neck is the most common source of headaches. If I were you I would seek out a good Chiropractor. The care you will get is much safer than the drugs for pain.
I have had sinus drainage for the past 7 years on the left side. I also have neck pain, which comes and goes in cycles, which I think are caused by hormonal issues. Sometimes the neck pain is so severe, that it radiates up into the base of my head. Other times, the neck pain is almost nonexistent, just an ache when I move my head a certain way. I also experience blurry vision close up. Wondering if this could be a neck issue.
Sure could be Denise!
Can anxiety symptoms be corrected with chiropractic manipulation ? My problem is majorly in the neck and head area. Daily neck and head tightness . I get an urge to crack my neck during the daily a few times and the cracking sound concerns me . What could this be? I also experience lower back pains .
Hi Irene,
I would say anxiety problems can be helped by chiropractic manipulations. Sometimes chiropractic care can make a huge difference, but if the source of stress is on going chiropractic care will not fix it. Does that make sense?
Wow…this was very helpful.
I went to my primary care doctor with dizziness, head pressure and even pressure in my teeth. My family doc said my ear drum was absolutely “pushed” out and red though there was no fluid that would point to infection but she felt that my sinuses were the cause.
Two rounds of antibiotics later… and I knew better…I have been still dizzy and very cloudy brained. The pressure in my ear is been on and off..
on a whim I decided to go back to my chiro
the back story? I had two whiplash accidents within a 6 month period. I was sent in for cervical MRI and CT scans to check for disc issues and I also had an MRI of the thoracic body looking for TOS. All clear for both issues…however and literally by the grace of G-d a benign tumor was discovered on my carotid artery. Of course it had to be removed.
But the surgery re-compromised my neck…that was back in Feb…
Issues start manifesting about mid Sept…but it took major dizzy to go to dr.
You see where this is going?? I have not returned to my primary care doc for medical evaluation as my non force chiro feels that this is all SCM and TMJ related …the surgery compromised my neck and jaw in a huge way …and with whiplash to boot…I’m in big trouble. My chiro also has a partner who practices somatic release therapy…
I have had several treatments and overall things are improving…but it’s been slow.
I’m confident my chiro is right and that I don’t need to freak out that something more serious is going on..considering my history it makes sense. and I get moments of “reprieve”
my major concern though is at night I will wake up often with the mastoid process literally burning and pulling…I sleep as directed on a rolled up hand towel ( physical therapy suggested) and I’ve tried a billion different pillows… my SCM is tight as heck…and are most of the muscles in my upper neck/shoulder blade etc.
At times it causes numbness in my face…and a strange sensation at the top of my head.
I’m just hoping I can get ahead of this issue at some point… I’m just trying to remain patient and stay focused.
what types of pillows do you recommend or do you have any thoughts?
Your website is fantastic.
Wow Lisa that is quite a journey. I’m glad that Chiropractic has served you well. My thoughts?
1. I think you need a functional medicine doc to look at some blood tests. There could be nutritional reasons for the very tight muscles/ numbness and dizziness . It would also show if there is any infections going on.
2. If your current problems are structural the treatment should be working better. My hunch is that the treatment is not treating the problem but the symptoms of the problem.
Does that make sense?
Thanks. It does make sense…
I just had another SRT treatment this evening with significant results ….I will still connect with my pcp to have blood draws. ..
The carotid tumor surgery was very traumatizing physically and emotionally. … I have a five inch scar ftom my ear to my soft spot at the front of my nec cutting right through every muscle in the path…. so I suspect this will take some maintenance.
Thanks for your work here!!
I can sleep for the first 4 hours of every night but for years now, I then wake with a headache, pain/blocked sinus (mostly RHS), and a pains in my neck and jaws. I press my neck on a ridge on our head board to try and massage sore points and these seem also to be connected to my sinus, but the doctors I have seen say there is not a connection from there to my sinus under my eye. When I am up, I am in less pain but totally energy less. I went to ent specialist who sent me to a TNj specialist and now I have a hard gum guard to wear at night. I have become aware that I do clench very hard and I also hold all my muscles tight. A suggestion was made to try Botox. My sinus are a huge problem though, esp in very dry conditions when they get dry but blocked and burning nostrils. My ears are a mess too. I am confused and never able to reach my potential.
Hi Poppy,
How long have you have the guard you wear at night?
My sinuses have been acting up for years,I’m always stuffy but my nose runs. Lately my neck has realy been crackling when I move my head side to side or up and down, I have a dull headache on the left side base of my head and even my left ear has decided to join the party with a crackling noise.Do you think this could all be caused possibly by my neck being out of alignment or something? My neck has crackled for years after being in a very minor rear end collision but now it is bad and the head ache and ear thing are realy ridiculous. Otc allergy and sinus meds help a bit but it doesn’t clear up.
Yes Cyndye it sounds like you have a neck problem and as I wrote it can contribute to sinus problems.
Hello. I have been having on and off sinus and neck problems since October. In October I had the worst cold/sinus infection of my life. I was extremely congested and had horrible neck and shoulder pain on my left side only. I went to the doctor twice for it, but since I was showing signs of improvement each time, I was never given an antibiotic, just a nasal spray and told to us a decongestant. She also did a thyroid ultrasound because I have had one in the past because my thyroid feels slightly enlarged. Both ultrasounds came back fine, showing a normal size thyroid and no nodules. They did see a swollen lymph node on the left side, which they thought was from the cold and probably causing some of my neck pain. The neck pain went away for a while, but returned about a month ago. The pain is still on the left side and is radiating down into my left shoulder. Again, I have sinus drainage and a bad cough. I’m coughing up lots of mucus. However, my nose is not running at all. I have been using the nasal spray (as my doctor suggested back in October if I had trouble again) and taking decongestants. I think they are helping some, but the neck and shoulder pain is so bad I’m having to also take ibuprofen to help with that. It feels like my muscles are aching and I just keep rubbing them. My kids also have colds and coughs, so I know that we have some sort of sickness. I’m just not sure why I’m having this on again off again left side neck and shoulder pain. I have even had some noticeable swelling on the left side of my neck. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I hate to go back to the doctor when I’ve already been twice for the same problem. Wondering if I should see a ENT or after reading this a chiropractor? Thanks!
Hi Michelle,
Sounds like you are having a terrible time! A couple of things.
1. I want to caution you about using the nasal spray. The sprays can create problems. A quick google search on that will inform you.
2. You need to seek out a good chiropractor. You will thank me!
What color is the mucus you’re coughing up?
Do you have a fever?
Thanks for the quick response! No fever. The mucus is yellowish-green. So do you think it’s a sinus problem causing the neck and shoulder pain? Or a neck problem causing sinus problems? What’s “throwing” me right now is that my kids have the same symptoms, chest congestion and bad coughs, no fever, but they do have a runny nose. They of course aren’t complaining of neck and shoulder pain.
Happy to help!
Michelle sounds to me like you have two problems. You have a neck problem. It is causing all sorts of problems including making things like a sinus problems. Sounds like you have a upper respiratory tract infection that has a bacterial component. Seeing a MD would be a good idea to get that looked at. If you do require antibiotics be sure to read my article on what to do after antibiotics.
If your children have the same mucus as you do get them looked at.
Why you don’t know have a runny nose and your kids do is just one of those things that keeps me humble. Getting your kids tuned up be a chiropractor is a very smart thing to do. Life is hard on kids. Keeping their spines working right is important for good spinal health as adults.
Let me know how it goes and sign up for my monthly-ish emails. I focus on things you usually don’t learn about through traditional sources.
One last question, could a respiratory infection cause shoulder and neck pain? Or do you believe that is unrelated?
Michelle if there is a fever then yes body aches and pains will be common. The coughing from a upper respiratory tract infection is very violent and often cause neck and back problems.
Based on your history I am very confident that you do have neck and back problems that a good chiropractor will help and bring you a lot of relief.
Ok, thank you, I appreciate your response and advice!
You’re very welcome! Please let me know how things turn out.
Hi
Please would you offer an opinion.
I had polyp surgery nearly three years ago, and to be honest I don’t feel great. Due to complaining of sinus trouble recently had another MRI scan and FES camera and two consultants sat me down and told me that (a) Polyps have not returned, and (b) a tiny perforation in septum is not causing my symptoms.
My symptoms are a constant feeling of ‘flu with fatigue’ aches, sinus ache, feeling of fluid in ear and general sinus discomfort (no mucus). Even when I eat a get a build up of sinus pressure!
But the most alarming symptom is that when I bend down and or put my head on both sides of pillow I feel not only pressure building but a lot of air type bubbles seem to release over a second or two. In fact if I do the trick whereby you close off both nostrils and attempt to unclog ear presure (like on a plane) I can then squeeze parts of my neck muscles and loads of air releases in little bubbles – presumably unitl it’s gone when it stops. I have seem chiros for over two years and this has not been resolved. My life is miserable.
But I do have an awful lot of issues with neck tension and tight muscles in all the usual spots over the neck. In fact when I press on the SCM muscle I often instigate that bubble releasing sensation and noise.
I really would welcome and appreciate your thoughts.
Sorry for the delay John. There just isn’t enough time in a day!
Your story is amazing, I have never heard of one like this. Did the docs say if the perforation in the septum could be fixed?
Where are the bubbles when you hear them?
Hi Dr.Kilcup
Thanks for the reply.
The doctor saw the perforation as not in need of repairing and he steadfastly claimed that it was too small to be causing any problem – he was adamant it did not need repairing!
The ‘bubble sound’ feels exactly like a series of air bubbles releasing in quick succession. it happens if I tuck my chin in and down; when I lie on my side in bed; when I massage various parts of my neck, particularly the SCM and muscles at the base of my skull. I do have tight muscles – of that there is no doubt.
I have had this all put down to anxiety and stress – which I accept but I do feel something is not right.
Regards
Dear Doctor,
I have sinusitis quite from a very long time and had to undergo surgery(FESS) 8 months ago as it got really severe.Recently, I caught up with severe cold followed by fever and severe neck pain &stiffness and also ringing sound in ears.So I went to my ENT who is right now treating me with nasal spray and nasal drops which has given me some relief. I have an other 15 days dose of nasal spray to use. But there is no change with the ringing sound in my ears and neck pain(sides). Also I get noise while I swallow food ? I am worried please help.
Also, I am on vitamin D supplementation as it was too low…
Please help
Sumi
Sumi,
What is it that you are worried about? Are you wondering if the treatment is working?
Dear Doctor,
For the past two years I have been suffering from a very strange and intese pressure in my head, mainly in my sinuses. At first I thought it was a dizziness, but not as thought everything was spinning, and I did not feel like I would fall over, but just a very intese pressure. I have since come to suspect, through the help of a chiropractor and a massaget therapist that it has something to do with my neck and back. It all began a little over 2 years ago, when I had intese pain at the base of my spine, right around my tailbone. It ended up being the ligaments around my tailbone. About 3 months after this was corrected is when my issues began with the pressure in my head. Most of the pressure is right across the bridge of my nose and extends across my cheeks. I do have scoliosis, and the chiropractor has told me that my C7 is out of alignment and you can feel it being pulled way over to the left side of my neck, I also know that my muscles are extremely tight throughout my neck, the base of my scull and all the way down my back. My problem is that no one seems to be able to tell me what is causing this and how to deal with it. Have you ever heard of anything like this? And do you have any suggestions? I am currently seening a chiroprator once every two weeks, a massage therapist once a week and go for accupuncture once every two weeks. I have been doing this for about 6 months. I do see an improvement, but it is still a huge issue in my life.
Thank you for your time.
Donna
Hi Donna,
I’d have to say that my initial impression is that this is not a neck problem. When I see patients in which their sinus troubles are being caused by their necks we see pretty quick improvement. Within 2 weeks the problem is much better or gone.
Have you seen an EENT doc or someone to examine this?
Hi Doctor,
Thank you so much for your quick response!
I have been to my family doctor several times. She has one all kinds of blood work, but everything comes back as normal.
When my chiropractor applies pressure at the base of my skull (stands behind me as I am laying down and pulls my head towards her) it replicates the feeling of pressure across the bridge of my nose. I used to get very bad sinus headaches, but since starting with the chiropractor those has pretty much disappeared.
Your welcome Donna. I enjoy helping people. You mentioned blood work that is good. Has anyone x-rayed, physically looked and done an MRI of your sinus cavities?
No, I haven’t had any work like that done. Although I have just finished having blood work done to rule out any problems there and then perhaps they will send me for an MRI. I think both my family doctor and the chiropractor are convinced this is coming from the muscles in my neck and back that are causing these symptoms, and my symptoms have improved, I was just hoping that after 6 months the symptoms would be gone. Could this be because of my scoliosis?
Donna in my opinion when a problem continues for this long it is foolish to assume anything. It very well may be that this is all connected to the neck, but when it has gone on this long there is also a good chance this could be something in the sinus cavity. You NEED to get a doctor to look into the cavities and go from there.
Let me know what you learn!
Hi. I do have allergies and use antihistaMines and rhinocort spray which are effective for runny eyes and clearing nose but ears are constantly clogged. After neck massage there is some unblocking of ears temporarily and right side worse than other. If massage behind right jaw get shooting pain right side of nose. Clogged ears driv
Hi,
I’ve suffered with ‘sinus infections’ for over 2 years on and off.. plus headaches and beck aches. Numerous visit is to gp and entertainment and nobody can help. Awful pain in maxillary left sinus.
Anyway made an appt to see chiropractor and started last week. I have a crooked neck and nerve damage and a very tight scm muscle. She’s started working on it and within a few hours of treatment my sinus is extracting so much discharge which feels like a great release of pressure… normal?
Hi Vicky,
Sounds like your sinus infections were really a neck problem to me. Let me know how it goes!
For the last 3 months I’ve had a blocked one side of my head and when I yawn it cracks had nasel sprays vicks sudafed etc .. Still hasn’t gone away
From Australia
Hi, for the past 6 months I have been having a strange problem I’ve never experienced before. From time to time (not often, maybe once a month), when I lean forward or tilt to one side, my left nostril drips a bunch of clear fluid. Sometimes a drpp or two, sometimes much more. I have an appt with my ENT, after reading online that it could be CSF. It dripped on my bedsheet once, and dried completely clear, if that means anything. I have had neck problems for years, so was wondering if it could possibly be related to the neck? Much stress after a divorce 3 years ago, so a very tight neck and shoulders. Thanks!
Robin have you ever used a Neti Pot? I’m curious if it would help. I wrote about it here:
http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2011/05/allergy-sinus-relief/
Yes your sinus issue could be a neck problem. Let me know how it goes.
I should also mention – I also have a pretty severe case of tmj. Have had it for 10 years now. Yes, anxiety rides high with me, lol!
Hi All
I thought I would return here and offer up some info.
I have had sinus issues for a long time: at least eight years. I got so down that I developed depression and serious anxiety. I have had nasal polyp surgery and all sorts of massage and chiropractic to no avail.
But I have always believed that my chronic neck muscle/shoulder/back tension is at the root of this and even to the point where when I touch certain muscles I kind of here a release of air bubbles in the sinus. I also have a tiny septum perforation.
Three months ago I finally decided to seek out a real ENT expert and it cost me a fortune. Here is what he did/said.
1. He looked in my mouth and declared me chronically dehydrated.
2. He looked in my sinus passages and said you are chronically dehydrated and the perforation is nothing – no return of polyps etc.
3. He said that he could do further investigations and make a lot of money but would not find anything wrong for near certainty.
5. He said, and wait for it, an awful lot of patients turn up reporting with sinus problems when in fact it is being caused by NECK PROBLEMS.
So, three months ago I set about drinking 2 litres of water a day and what a difference that has made. He said that it could take months and months for the body to truly get hydrated. He also told me to work on keeping my neck stretched and supple. This aspect I am not good at but what I have noticed is that on days that I don’t have stress or headach my sinuses are fine.
Anxiety and stress cause tension, which causes neck problems which cause sinus issues. That was his verdict. Oh, and drink water – lots of it.
And also – habits can affect your sinuses. I kind of sniff a lot forcing air onto the membranes causing drying. This is linked to my anxiety but what habits could you be perorming without realsing what affect you are having on your sinus. What about sitting with your laptop on your knee for ages. I would guess that a lot of us are straining our necks and not realising the result of this equals a myriad of sinus symptoms.
Thanks for sharing, Martin. I have been told I am very dehydrated (yet I continue to drink coffee and avoid water), so this could very well be playing a part in my situation. Thanks Dr. Kilcup, I have used a neti pot, but it didn’t help me. It’s been a long time though, so maybe it’s time to try again. Thanks for the suggestions. I suffer from anxiety too, which only adds to the problems.
Hi Robin
If you are very dehydrated then I urge you to sort this out. I treated myself to a nice 2 litre water bottle (why not get yourself one this xmas) and each morning I start drinking plain water and by the end of the day I make sure that I get through it. I find it easy now but at first it felt like 2 litres was an awful lot.
I’m sure that being a chiropracter Dr. Kilcup will vouch for the detrimental effects that dehydration has on bodily function. When I was told I was dehydrated I came home and did extensive research on the subject and what I found was some compelling evidence of how ill you can feel without adequate water. But let’s face it; we all know that our bodies are largely composed of water and so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that a lack of it is going to show up in all sorts of ways.
And I believe that dehydration can be remidied fairly quickly but it will take a fairly long time for your body to truly recover as cells regrow.
I’m so happy I found this site. I suffer with neck and shoulder blade pain. I also suffer from my sinuses. It is getting so bad that every night my nose gets so stuffed I can’t breath. During the day I can, but as soon as I lay down, stuffed. I also have bad allergies. I live in Arizona so the whether is extremely dry. I had my husband rub my neck and shoulders just now and I can feel the pressure in my sinuses easing up. I’ve also been having numbness in my pinky and ring fingers of my left hand which I know has to do with the ulnar nerve. Could this all have to do with my neck?
Hi MJ,
Yes it could. I suspect that it could be a combination of things.
I think you nailed it doc. I have caught on to this precursor to what I believed to be a cold or sinus infection coming on. I cannot pop my neck. Its really fool proof. My neck will pop pretty easily on a normal day. It becomes impossible when the sickness is coming on. The sinus issues aren’t relieved by the over the counter meds other than pain relief. I am going to search how to fix this problem now. I am glad to learn it wasn’t all in my head.
Hi! I have been having a lot of headaches lately and have wondered if it has to do with my sinuses, I’ve had sinus pressure and problems with my ears hurting so I had a friend thats an audiologist look at them and he said, “there’s no fluid and they werent infected but the right ear was sunk in”. I have no other signs of having a sinus infection. Could the headaches be from my ears and lack of sleep (because I havent been sleeping well)?
Hello can you help in march 2014 I had acute sinisitus my dentist gave me antibiotics but a week later it hadn’t improved I went to my Doctor who said it was muscular and didn’t give me any meds, my sinus especially on the right side is always blocked on a morning. in june 2014 I banged my head right at the very top of my skull and straight away it was tingling approximately 10 days later I awoke with a tingling and burning top lip and 3 white marking on my tongue, I went to my DR who gave me amitrypiline she didn’t know what the marks were but the tablets would help with the burning. I took them for about 10 days the side effects were horrendous I couldn’t wake up I came off them and when I did my tongue had started to burn really badly, I was referred to the Max fax at hospital who said it may be geographical tongue or burning mouth syndrome. I at this stage was given pregablin for neuropathic pain, as of today the whole side of my right face burns tingles the top of my skull burns my right eye feels dry my right sinus hurts so much and my mouth is burning constantly, because I have suffered with anxiety and depression in the past my Dr thinks its all in my head, these symptoms started well before the anxiety and depression its the pain which has caused me stress. After begging my Dr to let me be referred to a neurologist on our NHS in England the wait was so long so I went private I had to pay for a private consultation and an mri scan. The consultant says its likely to be post infective cranial neuropathy and had put the meds up im now on 500mg daily pregablin and that’s not working. When I wake on a morning the right side nostril is blocked infact it wakes me up because I cannot breathe, I have constant burning tingling in my mouth and the right side of my face my ear feels trapped and tingly event the tip of my nose tingles my top lip is now numb I don’t know if this is the meds, im really desperate now the consultant asked for swabs in my mouth because I still get the patches when I went back to see my Dr he wouldt swab because he said my mouth looked fine, can you please help me could this be coming from my neck or back and could a virus or infection last this long in the cranial nerves 6 months! I feel like I have had a stroke down my face even my right eye stabs with pain, I look forward to hearing from you
Denise I am so sorry for your situation. Unfortunately I don’t think it would be wise for me to try to give you recommendations. Your situation is very complex. I would need to physically examine you. Unless you are going to be in Phoenix AZ I am sorry but I’m not the doc for you. If I were in your situation I would look for a doc that practices Functional Medicine. This link might help you find one : http://www.functionalmedicinedoctors.com/index.php?action=search
Hi. I have been diagnosed with 2 bulging discs in my neck, C4/5 and C6/7. I don’t feel that whoever read the MRI, relayed the severity of the problem to my Dr. I was simply told I had 2 bulging discs, but was never told that they not only were bulging towards the back, but that they were also bulging around and to the front of my neck, thus explaining to me why I feel a “fullness” in my throat, or like I have a partially blown up balloon lodged between my vertabrae and throat, and pressing into my throat. This condition about drives me nuts, as it makes me feel like I have to be clearing my throat all the time, on top of always having phlegm come up from that process. I am currently doing Spinal Decompression, and when I am on the machine, I feel as tho my sinus’s are opened up thru the procedure. My Chiroprator feels that this treatment will take some time, in order to get that disc to come back around from the front to settle into place on the backside. Do you have any input on this and why I am having such throat issues. I appreciate your time. Thank You. Vickie
Hi Vickie,
Without seeing your MRI it’s really tough for me to comment. Its a good sign that you feel better after the treatment. Im my experience it is very rare to treat even severe herniated discs longer than 3 weeks before the patient is pain-free. If the throat issues persist longer than 3 weeks after care I would suspect that there might be an additional problem.
I have spasms in my neck often. I was told that i have a small spur and some disc degeneration. When my stretching doesnt work i use a cervical traction device at home. But sometimes before even useing much tension i have to stop because i get a hot flash and get very nauseated all of a sudden. What causes this?
I don’t know for sure Stephanie but I won’t do anything that made a patient have hot flashes or experience nausea.
Hi,
I have been having a stiff neck when I wake up in the morning and continues throughout the entire day. I also have had a headache on the left side of my forehead that sometimes I can feel radiate to the back of my head. My neck constantly feels like it needs to be cracked, which then alleviates some of the pain (temporarily). The pain is not significant, but enough to bother me. I also have had sinus issues and underwent a CT scan that showed a slight deviation in my septum. The pain in my neck is mostly on my left side and I can “pinpoint” the exact location it hurts usually.
I am wondering if this is something that you have heard of and any steps that I can take towards reducing the stiffness and pain.
Thanks for your help!
Josh your problem sounds like on a good Chiropractic Doc could help you a lot with.
Hi Dr. Kilcup. I am wondering if my chronic sinus pressure is stemming from my neck. My symptoms: pressure behind forehead, nose, mildly behind eyes; tension in temples; severe creaking neck when head turned side to side (this worsens headache and sinus pressure); creaking also felt in sinuses; neck snaps a lot upon movement and often has an intensely loud hollow snap when head is brought back; normal breathing unaffected yet deeply inhalation through nose causes dry sinus crackling; tightness in throat; pressing anywhere in my head or neck magnifies pressure behind nose; dramatic temporary increase in nasal pressure upon swallowing. It is slightly better in the morning after lying down on side. I had whiplash in ’99, have a “neck forward” position, clicking jaw (TMJ?), sore shoulders with a severe “knot” in my right trap muscle, and recently went through the trauma of a death in the family. What I don’t have: mucous, runny nose, post-nasal drip, fever.
Unfortunately, my symptoms are almost identical to spenoid sinus blockage which is associated with serious, potentially fatal complications. I am wondering whether I should go see a chiropractor or an ENT?
JB why not see both? What you need are answers. It could be more than one problem.
This is me exactly even the hollow cracking of neck and the crackling sounds in neck and sinuses… Also all on right side…even my jaw muscles on right side is sore and when I massage it it feels like a stick the muscle is so tight..
Just read about the sphenoid sinus blockage and I am very worried now… Could this new what I have??? Never heard of that before. I recently had a CT scan and the results came back as only having some sinus blockage on the left side and was told it wasn’t anything to be concerned about.. But it’s my right side that I have issues with.. I have anxiety and now reading this just makes it worse..I worry easily. Would the CT scan show if I had sphenoid sinus blockage at any stage???
Daniela that’s a great question for the doctor who ordered the CT.
Hi
I was wondering if anyone could help me. I have constant head pain to the front and top. Sometimes my ears also hurt. Also my nose is blocked and hurts as do my eyes. My head on walking and standing is awfull. Most often then not i also have nausea. Is this sinitus ?. Ive been tols can be migrains. As i also get pain to my neck.
Regards
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
You need someone to take a look at you to see what the problem is. It could be a sinus infection or an ear infection or both or something else.
So I have had a neck problem for ten years and seen a few docs who didn’t help or even say anything really so i just gave up and been living with it…I can’t stand it anymore its 24/7 and its taken its toll on me..I am miserable with constant pain. Vmy new doc sent me for a ct scan and it came back with nothing other than the left sinus a bit stuffed. I have cysts that were found by ultra sound in thyroids but no cause for concern. My pain is the right side of neck all the way to top of right side of head. Causing headaches eye pain sometimes ear pain and if I pull or use a qtip in ear clear fluid comes out sometimes. My right eye sometimes waters and my sinuses are sore even temples. When I massage my neck really hard I get temporary relief and its like I feel stuff flowing through the right side of head and nose will get plugged. When I can blow it it is clear. I also feel crunching when I massage right side of neck right beside the bone. I crack my neck several times a day easily and its temporary relief…. I just seen a physiatrist for the first time and got 5 needles in my neck to numb the pain. I felt like I was in heaven I can’t even remember a time I didn’t have this pain. As for the sinus flow and pain I just massage my face sinuses temples neck. And blow it out after it flows.. It has helped a lot but I have to do it all the time. I didn’t even have this sinus problem the whole time I had my neck issues. Still don’t know what the real problem is but for now the shots in my neck has left me pain free for almost a week. It can last up to a month the doc says. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will lol .. Then I go back for more numbing needles (yikes!)
Daniela that is a fascinating story! If you don’t mind my asking what part of the world are you from?
Thanks for sharing your story. I’m glad you are getting help.
From Canada 🙂
My ear canal was checked and was perfectly normal and my nasal passage was a little inflamed during that visit… I am lost as to what is wrong.
Doc also said my right side of neck muscles are really spasmed and the physiatrist said it feels like I have little hard balls on my neck ligaments that line the top of neck bones..
I ran across this site and figured it couldn’t hurt to get your opinion. My sinus issues started about 7 years ago. After a miscarriage I had a fever and headache that wouldn’t go away. During a trip to the ER and a CT for meningitis it was determined that I had a sinus infection. After months of antibiotics, physical therapy for tension headaches and a Dr thinking I was making it all up I had another CT to determine that I indeed still had an infection and it was determined that I needed to have surgery. Things improved for awhile. About 18 months later I had a huge sinus infection saw a different ENT because the first on was booked out three months. Another CT showed a sever infection along with some other issues and I had another surgery. After this surgery things improved but never completely went away. I would go to the Dr complaining of pain and pressure in my forehead and between my eyes accompanied with lots of thick green mucus down my throat. He dismissed it as seasonal allergies, which I didn’t think I had. Again I changed Dr. New Dr started out great, he ordered allergy testing, (which all came back negative) and had plans A B and C that we would try. Well after getting to plan C with no answers we did another CT (which I much later found out showed an acute infection on top of a chronic condition), he told me that I just needed to deal with it till I couldn’t any more and then we would go from there. Last summer I reached that point, we tried antibiotics, nasal sprays, nasal rinses and everything else he could think of. Finally he decided that it must be migraines. I decided to seek another opinion, new Dr looked at the CT and determined that I had an infection but there were some blockages that he could fix and I had yet another surgery. During surgery he did some cultures and found a resistant organism. A couple weeks after surgery symptoms returned and he prescribed antibiotics, toward the end of doses symptoms would improve for about a week or so, then they would be back. Had an appointment yesterday, he used a scope to look at my sinuses and said that everything he could see looked fine. So, my headaches and the daily green drainage was caused by something else. I left with the instructions to treat my symptoms with Tylenol or Motrin and an Antihistamine. If after two months things don’t improve we will rescan, because it is possible to have an infection in the maxillary sinuses or something with the ethmoid sinuses that he can’t see in the office. I am beginning to think that I’m making it all up, I’m on the verge of going crazy. Sorry for the novel, it’s been a long road.
Wow Marriette! You are right that is a very long road indeed! Who are these docs who think you are making this stuff up? You obviously are having real infection issues. However your neck could be a negative contributing factor. Also I’m concerned about your intestinal health, which affects everything. After so many months of being on the antibiotics your good microbes get wiped out and it leaves your gut wide open to many problems. Most of your immune system lives in your gut and clearly your immune system is struggling. It might be time to widen your thinking about possible causes. If you haven’t read my articles, “What to do after antibiotics” and “Leaky Gut”.
Thanks for sharing your story. I sincerely hope you are close to ending this novel!
I feel like doctors think I am over exaggerating my issue or that they don’t really believe me! I felt helpless and just lived with it for years now i just can’t take it and started trying to seek help again.. Feels like another dead end to me and that I’m just going to have to get needles in my neck every month for my neck pain..they all seem to forget that my sinuses, eyes, and head all hurt daily only on my right side including the neck… I feel your pain! We are not crazy!
Daniela have you ever considered finding a good chiropractor to help you with your neck? I think that if the needles provide some relief good chiropractic care ought to be at least as effective.
I recently started thinking about that because I remember a few years ago at a festival there was a chiropractic booth where they sstand u in front of a mirror and used strings measured across the shoulders and hips to see if it is straight… Well my right shoulder for sure was higher than my left. But when I went to the office to see what could be done it was too expensive for me.. And gave that idea up.
I thought chiropractic was included in Canadian healthcare coverage. I’m sorry that you are not able to try chiropractic care.
Chiropractic isnt covered by OHIP a d the initial fee they asked for was $200 then..
I have more information on what can cause a sinus infection. You can read all about it here: http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2015/04/when-a-sinus-infection-is-an-intestinal-problem/
Dear Dr Kilcup;
Just recently my face started to show what I think is stress marks (red perminant little blotches around my right eye) and now when I sneezed/cough I get the worst burning irittation and tightness I’ve ever experienced in the back sides of my neck..do you think this sounds like stress? Do you recommend I go visit a chiropractor ?
Hi Destiny,
I do think you should visit a chiropractor and get that checked out. Let me know how it goes!
i feel my right nostrils choked forehead tight moving tigthness towards right head above ear tightness continued to right back tooked treatment for sinus ,, CT scan , MRI but not found relief . even not having sound sleep from last two years whole day feel unhappy beacuse of it from last 2-3 years
what u will suggest please help me
wey
I’d recommend getting your neck checked out and trying some sinus irrigation. http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2011/05/allergy-sinus-relief/.
Hi i have osteo arthritus in my neck and spine. i also have sinus problems which i think maybe my neck problem I also get headaches migraine like which i think could also be my neck, I have a constant post nasel drip which seems to stretch from the back of my throat to my stomach. I have used sprays etc which only give a tempory relief for it, The left nostral seesm to block worse then the right, i have limited use of my neck also. i have other p[roblesm which i think stem from this a constant cought and saw throat and lungs i also have slight reflux any ideas thank you Paul
Hi Paul. Yes I have some ideas! Have you tried this: http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2011/05/allergy-sinus-relief/?
Have you seen a Chiropractor for your neck?
Finally I think there is a real possibility that your constant post nasal drip is being caused by something like this: http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2015/04/when-a-sinus-infection-is-an-intestinal-problem/
Does that help?
Hi Dr. Kilcup,
My name is Anna and I came upon your website as I have been doing some research for my husband. I found your video about sinuses and the neck very interesting because that is what he is having trouble with. He has had this problem for a very long time. His neck constantly tightens up, mostly on his left side. His sinuses then seem to clog up as well and he feels pressure almost all over his face. It is getting frustrating because he is in a lot of pain and he is hindered from being able to exercise and enjoy daily life. We have just started trying sinus irrigation to see if that helps. We are at a loss of how to help him with his tight neck muscles and sinuses.
Anna has your husband ever been treated by a Chiropractor?
Yes, he has been to a couple of different chiropractors. I’m not sure what they worked on specifically or if he went often enough to see results.
So pleased I have found this site. I have chronic neck pain left side with sore nose and eye. About a year ago I saw an Ent consultant about ear pain and was told that the ear was clear and the problem was my neck. Eventually it settled. Unfortunately it has now returned and causing the above symptoms… Extremely painful!! Visited doctors surgery but saw a locum who listened to me, didn’t do an examination and said it was probably muscular. I have a pretty good tolerance of pain, but this is controlling my life. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I live in the UK but I am so desperate that I would go anywhere in the world for help
Hi Shirley. I recommend that you find a good Chiropractor and get treated.
Thankyou for your advice. I have already made an appointment to see a very well trusted chiropractor next week. Will keep you posted as to how it goes!!
Hi Dr Kilcup,
I have pulsating tinnitus for the past four years and it has got worse lately. I feel like my nose is throbbing and behind my eyes. It also feels like it’s my sinuses and that my whole body is pulsing. My neck does creek a lot and I have other tinnitus noises as well. Can you help me as I’m not really sure what I should do, I’ve had a MRI and they couldn’t find anything wrong . thank You
Hi Kim. Lots of things come to mind. Your neck, mercury toxicity, food sensitivities/allergies or a combination of these. I can give you some answers. Depending the results of exam and tests I might be able to help you. If you would like to get more specifics feel free to contact me through the website contact page.
I have a numbness type feeling in my head. It can be on the left side for a few days then move to the right. It is not numb though because I can still feel. This happened before and lasted between 2-6 months. I went to the chiropractor and dentist while that happened ad it went away. It had been 6 years since it happened but it started again around February or March. The doctor told me it could be from my sinuses or anxiety. I feel pressure in my head at times too and sometimes I don’t have the numbing type sensation for a day. I have experienced headaches more than usual and on the left side, top of my head in one certain spot I experience some pain and sensitivity. I know my neck is out and I feel a pinch in my back left side at times especially when I bend over. Could it be related to my neck being out?
Sure it could Sabrina especially based on your history. I would start with the chiropractor and go from there. Let me know how it goes!
Thank you 🙂 I went to the chiropractor today. My C1 and C2 was out. I’m still having pressure in my head but I may have a sinus infection.
Your welcome Sabrina! Thanks for the update.
I’ve been suffering with a bad neck for the last year. It started with pain on the left side at the top of my neck. I started feeling dizzy, sick. I went to a&e and the doctor said I had tension and stress. But it’s got worse in the last year. I now have a very sharp pain on the left side of my head (above the ear) as if someone has a pickaxe. I get pain behind my left eye, like a dull headache. I’ve noticed my left pupil sometimes is smaller than the right eye. I have crackling in left ear. My neck does crack a lot. And sometimes the pain runs down the back of my neck and into my shoulder. I also have a blocked nose almost all the time. I’ve been to the doctors so many times and all I get back from them is, sounds like a pinched nerve or you have cluster headaches. But nothing to actually help me figure out what’s going on. I’ve had my eyes tested and they said my eyes are fine. Could all this be connected to my neck or even sinuses?
Celyn I think it could be all related to your neck. Time to see a chiropractor and go from there!
Hello Dr Kilcup, I took your advice and saw the Chiropractor who did some work on my neck. Very little improvement. I saw 3 different doctors who said my sinuses were badly inflamed. Nasal sprays prescribed but no improvement. paid to see an Ent consultant who did an endoscopy and said it was not sinus but slight pharyngitis. Pain no better so I paid again to see a maxillofacial consultant. He said it was a jaw muscle and to consider new dentures. Saw an excellent dentist who said my dentures were fitting properly. He did panoramic xray and said I had slight congestion but nothing to worry about or needing medication. Sadly, I am still very poorly. Nausea, fatigue, sore neck, runny eyes and continuous need to swallow or clear throat. Worse during the night when I am lying down. My doctor gave me medication for the nausea which has no effect. He THINKS it’s probably a virus. I was advised to take multi vitamins and keep hydrated both of which I am doing. This has been going on for over 2 months and I am mentally and physically exhausted. We have free medical treatment here but the waiting list to see anyone is very long…. Hence paying to see someone privately. I have now arranged to have an Mri done of my head and neck, yet again privately. My small savings are almost gone. The words I have written here are just the symptoms and cannot convey to you the pain and misery I am living in. Any help or or advice you can give me would be very much appreciated.
Shirley I am so sorry to hear that you are not any closer to resolving these problems. It is really difficult for me to give you good advice at this point with such limited information. In general it sounds to me like the problem is going to be systemic as opposed to structural. If this were me I would be doing lab tests to try and figure out what system in the body is not working right as opposed to an MRI right now. Your symptoms of fatigue, runny eyes and flem in the throat make me think that your body is reacting to something. I really would need to feel your neck to determine if the pain in the neck is from something wrong in the neck or something else. Did the chiropractor think that your neck was the source of the neck pain?
My doctor has now done blood tests so I hope there will finally be some answers. I know my system is not right, Dr Kilcup…. Was very poorly yesterday and doctor has diagnosed kidney infection. I take prescribed multi vitamins and keep hydrated. Coconut water mainly. So good to know that you are there to help us all.Sincere thanks, Shirley
Hi I am 25 years old a just recently had a baby 4 days ago, he was premature born at 31 weeks and I had the worst back labour ever so I got the epidural, the doctor told me one of the side effects from this would be headaches but I have had the worst pain in the back of my neck pain/pressure behind both eyes my head feels like it has pressure and I have this lump near my left temple and my left nostril kinda feels like pressure… what is this? Is it from the epidural or is it a sinus infection?.
Congratulations Chelsea!
To answer your question yes no and maybe. Sorry but I really can’t tell you what’s causing the pain without seeing you. You need to see a doctor to examine you and see if there is an infection.
Hi Dr. Kilcup,
This is my story since the past year and a half… I was told that I had ovarian cancer and suffered a lot of stress due to it. After having my ovaries removed, the stress was magnified even though the cysts were benign. I have chronic pain in my throat that is only relieved when laying down in bed. I feel like I get some minor relief when I try to clear my throat and get a bunch of clear mucous out (I see your point about the inflammation and mucous). I’ve been to an ENT who said it was acid reflux and sinusitis but I have the pain even when I don’t eat. Sinus and acid reflux medications do not help. I’ve had CT Scans, an MRI and ultrasound of the neck area but nothing shows up. I feel a tight knot there but all the doctors I’ve been to do not notice it. My husband notices the knot and feels sorry for me because it is so tight and we can’t loosen it up (we’ve tried ice, heat packs and rubbing it). I saw an oral surgeon who diagnosed me with bruxism. Apparently I was grinding my teeth at night in my sleep. After seeing a physical therapist and a dentist who is knowledgeable about bruxism, I finally have some relief but it is still a constant, annoying pain that is always there. I finally saw an endocrinologist who said my adrenals are out of whack due to hormone imbalance. He also said my thyroid levels are bad but not the kind that would cause pain in the throat. He said my Vitamin D was also low. He has recently placed me on hormone therapy, magnesium, and Vitamin D. I will have more blood work done in 3 months to determine if I need to be placed on thyroid medicine (he thinks the hormone imbalance might be causing my thyroid levels to be off). I can now pinpoint the pain as coming from the left side of my neck radiating to my throat. When I try to message this area, I can feel a sharp pain under the carotid artery and pain that radiates to the back of my head and shoulder blade. I am not getting the results I want from the physical therapy. I was hoping you might be able to recommend a specialist who is an expert with the muscles in this neck region. I’m desperate and would even consider steroid injections if that would be an option. Looking forward to your reply. Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Wow what an interesting story. Did you have the throat pain before the ovaries were removed?
No, no throat pain before the surgery. It did start out as severe ear pain about a month after the surgery. I also had pain in my upper teeth and nerve irritation in the nasal passages. Since I’ve been wearing a bite guard at night, the ear pain has gone completely away and I have mild nerve irritation in the nasal passages and slight pain in my teeth. The dentist even found a cracked molar underneath a silver filling that wasn’t obvious in the x-ray. The dentist said the pain was caused from grinding my teeth. Sometimes I wonder if there’s still something wrong with my jaw and when I open my mouth the pain is reflected back in the throat? I just don’t know who to see about it. I would love to get it all fixed and live a normal life again. I learned one thing – you can’t see an ENT for something that a dentist should diagnose. Unfortunately, the pain was so intense I didn’t know where it was coming from. And the symptoms would change depending on which hurt the worst at the time. Kind of makes it difficult to diagnose someone who was in my situation. Thank you so much for caring. I can tell on this site that you do care. After all the failed doctor visits I have been through, a little compassion is very much appreciated! Thanks again, Nancy
Nancy I’m suspicious that something in your throat was injured during your surgery. I recommend that you see a good chiropractor. Your neck/throat/jaw are all very interrelated.
Did your dentist make a night splint to wear?
Your reflux, mucus and sinusitis can be from lots of things. A sick gut, food sensitivities, toxins, viruses and adrenal dysfunction can all cause the symptoms you are having. These articles are a great examples of what I’m takling about:
http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2015/04/when-a-sinus-infection-is-an-intestinal-problem.
http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2014/06/adrenal-fatigue-can-make-you-fat-tired-libido-less-constipated-and-sick/
The sharp pain in your throat area needs someone like a massage therapist/ physical therapist/ chiropractor who is really good with their hands and knows the anatomy of the front of the neck. There are a lot of things in the front of the neck that you don’t want to massage.
I would cut out gluten and see how it affects you. Often thyroid problems are caused by gluten sensitivities.
Let me know how it goes. 🙂
http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2013/11/leaky-gut-syndrome/
Right side eye movement affected. See darker colours in right eye. Facial pain, post nasal drip and itchy ear, bskance affected but no ear infection. Concentration is bad and sometimes can’t find the right words to speak. Antibiotics help but it comes back. Think I have some TMJ and also degenerated disks in neck. Please advise. It’s the cognition side if this that affects me.
Zoe there is more going on here than I can figure out like this. See the comment I made to Nancy and look at some other things I’ve written. Sorry I wish I could help more.
I’m pleading for answers.. going on 10 yrs chronic neck pain left side only (although felt maybe total of 5 times in 10 yrs on right side too) but left side neck pain.. radiating into top of head and definitely in face (next to nose, above eyebrow, etc).. when it’s really bad (assuming something pinched) i feel it in my arm and a spot in upper back. MRI’s don’t show much I’ve been told a little arthritis (mind you im 26 turning 27 this July and this all started around 17).. then diagnosed with forward head posture.. i self diagnosed trigger points because there is tender spots in my neck an when i find them i feel the referred pain.. but it doesn’t last long.. if I’m lucky a day of relief. One time a Chiropractor did traction with a head harness, weight and pillow to put curve in my neck (along with an adjustment) i think i was pain free just shy of a week. Just tired of not knowing the underlying problem because I’m sure the trigger point pain stems from other stuff.. Mind you I need to throw something else in the mix that has been brought to my attention (Trigeminal Neuralgia) aka TN I need to see a neurologist again, I did years ago but I truly believe in ALWAYS getting a second+ opinion (because having even worked for a Doc) I know they all have different opinions and diagnosis. I even had an ultrasound of my neck yrs ago and nothing came back but that’s one opinion. MOST Doctors pushed me off said I’m young and shouldn’t have this pain.. UM YEAH YA THINK, I’m not making it up for fun. I know I get sharp jabbing shooting pains in the face and not sure if this is common but certain smells and sounds can relax it when need be… also certain smells can inflame is and make the facial pain worse? As a kid in 3rd grade I had a hit an run on my bicycle, supposedly I was blessed they said no severe damage but they did have me in a neck brace? I also remember ALWAYS having headache as a kid up until teenage years then it REALLY GOT bad in my neck. There’s a spot on my neck (an inch or so under my ear) if I dig my finger deep in this spot (mind you its one of my many pain spots) I feel a lot of the referred pain, but truly believe this pain spot plays a big role.. it seems to be the spot where the Trigger point pain (Sternocleidomastoid) AND/OR the TN pain can be due to the artery or vein.. My splenius capitis seems to have pain but here and there relief if I find the trigger points by c1 or c2. My concern is trigger points stem from a bigger problem, yes? This TN has me worried as well. Strangely enough I had a massage on Sunday (I’ve had many in the past) but this educated oriental woman worked mainly on my neck, some shoulders and upper back. Believe it was later Sunday night I found myself with a leaky nose (predominantly on the left side where all my neck pains been these years) I looked up left side nasal leakage and a thing called CSF popped up? I’m sneezing a little with this runny clear nasal leakage which tastes a little salty seeing that I can feel a bit in back of my throat here and there. I do have a deviated nasal septum. I went years ago and had a DR tell me he saw some nasal irritation and that was it, prescribed nasal spray but never fixed the neck pain. FYI I do wake up every morning with one of my nasal passages stuffed up. My Grandmother had horrible sinus problems and bless her heart I remember years ago before she passed she told me they found the sinus infection in her neck and this keeps playing in my head so I researched some stuff and here you go, you popped up Dr.Kilcup. OVERALL I’m EXHAUSTED and need answers so feedback is MUCH APPRECIATED. The fact you read all this is a blessing and hope all my information has helped for some answers/feedback.
Thank you,
Diana Sooy
Hi Diana,
Why didn’t you stick with the Chiropractor? You said you have no pain for a week after the treatment. Musculoskeletal problems can take time to fix and they often require daily exercises to keep from coming back. Everything you wrote sounds like your pain is coming from the muscles, fascia and joints in your neck. I recommend going to a chiropractor that you trust and if the treatment helps stick with it.
I hope that helps.
Hi Dr. Kilcup,
I have a pair of cervical ribs and am slowly figuring out how many of the other issues I have (numbness and pain in my arm, trouble breathing deeply, sinus congestion and headaches, and probably others) are connected to the incredibly tight muscles that have developed in my neck and upper back. The sinus connection is the most recent one to occur to me and I found your site while taking to the Internet to check my theory. When I was first diagnosed with the cervical ribs, the treatment plan was to strengthen my back and open the pecs (at the time my only connected symptom was the pain and numbness in my arm). I am currently working with a personal trainer for the strength portion and she gives me pointers for stretching and using foam rollers on my own, but it doesn’t seem to be enough. I have been thinking that I should see a massage therapist to get the muscles to loosen up enough that the self-massage might work, but your site has me wondering if a chiropractor would be better. I know you’re biased, but I did see that you work with a massage therapist. Do you have any suggestions for how to find the right practitioner in my area (I’m in Northern VA near DC)? Unfortunately, I’m also on a fairly tight budget. Do you think any of the personal neck massagers (hand held or pillow-style) would be helpful?
Thank you!
Hi Kira,
If I could examine you I could give you a great answer! I think that massage is great and helps a lot when fascia or muscles are tight. I incorporate massage into all of my treatments. If the patient needs more massage than I can give I recommend a massage therapist. The best way to find a good chiropractor or massage therapist is to ask around, check google reviews and when you see someone you should be getting better.
The G-5 is a great personal massager. It would be hard to use in on own back or neck though.
I hope that helps!
Hello Dr.Kilcup. Since I last contacted you, I have seen a consultant Ent…nothing found. A maxillofacial consultant… nothing found. Dentist plus panoramic xray… nothing found. Head and neck mri…nothing found. Hospital chest xrays and thorough blood tests… nothing found. BP and temperature pretty good. All should be reassuringly but I am still poorly with sore nose and cheeks, watering eyes, utterly exhausted, terrible general body pain during the night. Went to local supermarket yesterday and within minutes felt strange, perspiration pouring off me. Couldn’t find exit to get out even though I use this supermarket on a regular basis. Fortunately, there is a walk-in doctor near by so went straight there. Very thorough examination but he could find nothing wrong. Please believe me, I am not a hypochondriac and I would give everything I have just to feel well. I truly value your opinion, Dr.Kilcup, so any suggestions you can give me would be very much appreciated. This has been going on for several months so my quality of life is negligible. Bless you for being there. Shirley Brown
I’m sorry to hear about how difficult things have been for you. I think John’s comment is something to consider. It think you can rule out your teeth and sinuses as sources for your pain. I’ll refer you back to my comments on May 31, 2015:
Dear Shirley – and Dr Kilcup. I hope you don’t mind me interjecting.
Shirley, you say that you “Went to local supermarket yesterday and within minutes felt strange, perspiration pouring off me. Couldn’t find exit to get out even though I use this supermarket on a regular basis. Fortunately, there is a walk-in doctor near by so went straight there.
This is a tell tale sign of anxiety if you ask me. I have pretty similar experiences and in supermarkets amongst other places. I have been to numerous ENT Consultants and had other tests such as thyroid and all have come back normal. Therefore, we ultimately arrive at a diagnosis of ‘medically unexplained illness’ or somatisation disorder.
But I have a clear and official diagnosis of anxiety disorder and I suffer sinus issues and headache issues which are really strange because they happen only in certain social situations or contexts – like supermarkets and waiting in line for a coffee. A kind of social anxiety but only in certain circumstances, particularly when I am bored and don’t really want to do whatever it is I have to do.
My theory (and I have done lots of research) is that for whatever reason, anxiety (if this is the bottom line) causes obvious and well proven changes in our bodies and one of them is clearly head and neck pain. I feel that when head and neck pain take hold they obviously affect sinus issues and it kind of doesn’t matter if that pain is caused by injury (say posture) or emotional (emotions are felt as pain in the body, particularly anger). I know this to be a fact because:
1. I paid a top ENT consultant a lot of money to tell me there was nothing wrong but he did say that his own experience has told him that an awful lot of his patients don’t have sinus disease but have neck issues, and that depression, anxiety and stress issues are to blame. Also, dehydration is a massive factor.
2. My own neck is always in a state of chronic tension and when I press on certain trigger points not only do I get a referral feeling to the nose area but I also clearly (and the doctors have witnessed it) hear the release of air bubbles in the nasal area. This really frightens me because I feel it is the artery that is damaged (and perhaps this thought makes me worse) but it shows that the connection is all to real.
Even this morning I woke up feeling fine but when I went to a certain shop I started feeling all ill and I liken to feeling like an allergy but without runny nose – in fact it goes dry and stingy.
So Shirley, I wonder if you might consider anxiety as a factor. I know that sinus issues don’t seem too related to anxiety but for me it is obvious because I am anxious and I do suffer similar symptoms to yourself.
I am now suffering with globus sensation, another neck related issue but again the doctors find nothing and tell me it is anxiety.
When you think about it the head and neck carry so much weigh and tension that anything that disrupts it is likely to cause a whole host of seemingly strange issues.
If sinus, jaw, neck and eye pain were to be coming from pinched nerves in neck as the video explains, could it also cause a zapping on the top of the head on same side as the other pains? I’m going for a cervical epidural tomorrow and really hope and pray this resolves everything. I was recently seeing a chiropractor in Nj that did atlas orthogonal adjustments that seemed to help, but required three trips a week for a unspecified time and only minimally covered by insurance. I just St didn’t get how lightly pressing on the bones behind my ears was going to fix years of damage.
Hi my name is carlos I’m almost 22 and for the last past 2 years and a half I’ve been feeling really ill cant breath from my nose and my thoart feels like swollen so like if I’m choking .. I had neck damage in my neck c 4 c5 cervical herniated disc … I was able to stuck it up and go on with work …now this year 2015 has been horrible its worst feels like if I’m dying slowly my stomach get bloated fast even when I just wake up I feel full…and I feel like puking … my neck feels tight and thoart and at time can barely breath threw my nose … I wanna get my normal happy life back .. its been to long and i cant do this to my kids wanna live a happy life with my kids.. thanks for reading this post
Hi Carlos,
I’m very sorry for your suffering. I’m sure that you know you need help. It sounds like you have some stomach/intestinal and neck issues. This article should give you some direction: http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2015/04/when-a-sinus-infection-is-an-intestinal-problem.
Thank doctor I and my family appericate your help ama see a gi doctor tommorrow .. they also wanna do ct scan om my nose … today tho was the worst feeling my cheeks got numb I felt so weak and as I was standing felt like the ground was shaking and my hands feel weak and was hard to catch a breath as my stomach felt weird like burning and felt like puking could not even eat or swollow right … thank you doctor I really do appercaite ur help
I wish I could do more for you Carlos. I’m glad you are getting a CT and seeing a GI doc. Let me know how it goes.
Hooray! After so many tests for sinus type symptoms the doctors, consultants and the N.H.S. have finally admitted it is a neck problem…… having all dismissed my suggestion that it could be caused by tight neck muscles!! Indeed, it has now become an accepted reason for long term sinus pain. It has been a long, expensive,very worrying process and many times I was treated like a hypochondriac. It is thanks to you, Dr.Kilcup. Your article on “when a sinus problem could be caused by a neck problem ” made so much sense and gave me the incentive to fight on. Sincere thanks to you.
Hey that’s great Shirley. What are they going to do to help you?
Difficult to know what to do, Darrell. Medication has been suggested but I feel that seeing the Chiropractor and adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle is my first thought. It may help with my constant tiredness. Should that fail,I will try prescription medication. Many thanks for all your help.
I’m so happy to have come across your website. Now I don’t feel completely crazy!
I have had a few sinus infections on the left side only, since I was 17. I am now 54. I am a very active elementary teacher and I do strength/cardio training 3 times a week. I haven’t had any injuries which relate to the following symtoms (actually no injuries at all).
For the last three years I have had chronic pain in my left upper shoulder and neck. It hurts more when I tilt my head to the right and when I tilt it forward although not as much as to the right.
The left side of my face aches (jaw and forehead area) as well as the inside the bridge of the left nostril (that’s the best way I can describe it). It is more difficult to breath through that nostril. When training or in cold weather, the left nostril runs!
In addition, my left eye always feels irritated and is “wet”. It often runs. When I sneeze or blow my nose, bubbles are forced out of the corner of that eye! I know…weird!
I always have a headache and it often causes nausea. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are minimally effective. Icing helps the neck/shoulder area temporarily. I certainly don’t want to be taking medication for the rest of my life.
Massage is temporarily effective but I find when the therapist pulls from the top of the shoulder and up to the base of the skull I feel immense relief in the neck/shoulder area (if only I could walk around with someone decompressing my spine at all times!). Massage has not affected the other symptoms reported.
I have worked with a physiotherapist to make sure I have proper posture therefore I am constantly aware of keeping my shoulders relaxed and core tight for back support.
A recent CT scan revealed normal sinuses and a slightly more narrow left nasal passage but according to the ENT, nothing that would require surgery.
I have tried to explain to my docs that I feel all of my symptoms are related but am met with scepticism and no further recommendations.
I apologize for the litany of symptoms here but as my left eye waters and my left nostril runs while I type, I am immensely grateful for any recommendations or ideas. Not crazy after all!!!
Hi Amanda,
I think you should find a good Chiropractor and get treated. It might fix this and it will not harm you. Let me know how it goes.
I have an on-going history with sinus, headaches and neck issues and would love your input as to how I should proceed. I do see 2 different chirporactors – one who lives a distance from me and helps to treat me on metabolic issues, thyroid, gluten intolerance, leaky gut, auto immune stuff, etc. The other chiropractor treats me for the neck issues. I trust both of them greatly. BUT in spite of all my diligence with them, I still suffer with chronic neck pain and severe headaches to the point of nausea. I have been treated 3X a week for 3 months now with chiropractic care. My symptoms improve and I respond well to the adjustments and many other treatments they give me, but then in less than a week, my neck is tight again, down my shoulder and then radiates up the left side of my face and then all over the head. I’ve used all the times allotted by my insurance company so I can’t afford to continue to go 3X a week. In the past I have had many sinus infections with on-going drainage. We found a new home for our cat and put in hard wood floors (removing all carpet) then I had Balloon Sinuplasty in April 2015. This procedure was done by ENT in-office with local anesthesia. I did notice immediate relief for my sinus areas BUT one week after the procedure I started with the severe neck pain and headaches to the point of nausea. Because i was totally tense for the 2 hour procedure, I wondered it that started the neck issue. I’ve wondered if these are spinal type headaches after a procedure as I’ve known others to have after spinal anesthesia (which I didn’t have but there was much pain to tolerate during this procedure – hince the stiff neck) The Chiro says that I do have a compressed disc in my cervical neck area. BUT as i said even with constant treatment, there is no prolonged relief. I am very diligent to only use natural treatment for this but sometimes have to take Aleve when I have to function. This only helps for a while. Usually my headaches run for 5 days. This medicine however makes me lethargic and I will not live on that. I take many supplements from my chiropractic doctor, eat Gluten free, Soy free and Dairy Free. I drink TONS of water every day. I use a Sinus Rinse every morning. I’ve gotten massages once a month in the past but this also just helps for a day or two. I’m just very weary and to the point of not knowing what else to do. Someone did mention DRY NEEDLING to me. What is your input on that? What else could I possibly do to get rid of this neck/head pain? Thank you for your time!
Wow Cindy! You deserve a medal!
The obvious question is what is causing the neck pain and headache to return so fast. There are really only two possible categories. Is the problem reoccurring due to something inside your body or outside your body. Outside things would be things you do, breath, drink or eat. Inside stuff would be something wrong inside you. I would need a very comprehensive history, and medical records before I could help more. It sounds like you have thought of the outside stuff pretty well.
Does your treatment with the chiropractor include massage and stretching with the adjustment?
For some insight on other possible things that could be going on here take a look at this http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2015/04/when-a-sinus-infection-is-an-intestinal-problem/
I don’t think dry needling will help.
I’d be happy to help more if you can get me the records and history. If you are interested call the office (620) 864-0304.
DR. Kilcup, your aticle has realy put my mind at peace knowing fully well that i will get answers to my question. When ever i sneeze i feel sinus pains all over my back, from my neck to the shoulder to the back, all the way down to my waist, and is quete painfull and discomforting. Please tell what is the cause and the remedy?
I just recently started having reoccurring sinus infections that won’t go away. My ears are clogged I have terrible mucus I can breathe fine. It’s my ears that are the main problem. I’m glad I found this sight as in 2010 I had a MRI of the brain at the time they thought I had Ms because I had white spots on my neck. It turns out they said mine is because my neck is straight then curved and there was no treatment for it. I go Friday to my ENT for CT Scan she said she saw no abnormalities. But I have noticed recently my glands feel swollen and I have neck pain. When I put pressure on my neck my ears don’t feel clogged. I’m just wondering what it may be.
Toni it sounds to me like you should see a chiropractor.
Thank you I will look into it. Is it because of my neck being straight that’s causing the issue with my ears?
Your welcome! Yes Toni it sounds like your neck is not right and that can cause the sinus problems. You should also read this: http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2015/04/when-a-sinus-infection-is-an-intestinal-problem/
I just have one more question Dr. Kilcup. I’m bipolar day dr. Gave me caritan d it did help but y anxiety level was terrible. Is there anything I can take to relieve the pressure in my ears?
I have been having pain on right side of head with sharp pain. Its even affecting my right side of face I feel pain in nasal also and consistent headaches on the one side only. What could this be,put cold and warm compressions but goes away for 5mins then comes back again.What is the problem get plenty of rest.
Dear Dr.
Desperately seeking help! I’ve been suffering from headaches accompanied with neck and shoulder pain for 3 weeks now. It has me going crazy because I’ve not been able to have a good nights rest in those 3 weeks, also when I lay down I can only lay on my back. Every time I lay down and try to sleep on my sides I experience dizziness. Any idea on what may be happening to me? Any inside would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Sorry to hear about your situation. From what you have shared there are many things that could be wrong. You should look at my article on Vertigo (http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2012/02/vertigo/). Outside of that I think you need to see a doctor to look at you.
I have a few teeth that are painful, jaw and ear popping/crackling, jaw pain, dry eyes, lightheaded at times, stiff neck. Any idea what this is coming from? This happens all day. The pain in my teeth come and go. My eyes seem heavy. I’ve been to a doctor and they said I had a virus but I know it seems like something more than that.
Wendy it could be any number of things. I would need your complete history and medical records before I could hazard a guess.
Hi Dr,
For the past 6 years i am suffering from severe neck pain which start from the end of my head and continuous to my mid back. Whenever i get head bath i m gettkng this pain. I am not getting running nose pr not catching cold pften. But daily i feel my mucus inside my throat.
Often i used to get relief from my pain by gettjng steam and drinking hot water.
Please help me with d remedy
Hi Ramyaa,
Sounds like your neck and back need some help. Seek out a good Chiropractor and get the spinal issues fixed. If problems remain more test would be needed to figure out what is going on.
Long story short, I had sinus infection, took antibiotics to get rid of it but still felt stopped up months later. Got a message on my neck be cause my neck was bothering me, half an hour later not to be gross but sinus completely drained of old sinus stuff and I could breath again so weird! so, I googled the relation and found your site. Very interesting.
Thanks for sharing your story Todd. I’m glad there is a happy ending to this story!
I somewhat have some of these symptoms. Mine happen “Every” time I lay my head down. No matter what side I lay on, I get a thumping feeling (like when you hit your thumb with a hammer), on which ever side I lay on. If I try to ignore it, and continue laying, in the same position, after about 30 or so seconds, my Inferior turbinate (on that said side) swells up, and closes off my ability to breathe or get enough air flow through my nose. I am one of those people, I can not be an open mouth breather/sleeper. I have bad post-nasal drip, to the point it dries in the back of my throat, and ends up hitting my gag reflex. I am constantly doing sinus rinses, but I open up the passage between my nose and back of my throat, to wash that dried stuff out. This problem has gone on, consistently, since I was a child. As it stands now, I have a particular set of pillows, I have to have, that have been molded to, somewhat, to where I can sleep a little comfortable, and I have to sleep with my head at least at a 45 degree angle. This problem has created such a sleep deprivation problem, it is extremely hard for me to stay in control of my emotions. Now to what I have done so far, and None of it has worked, safe for 1 thing which I’ll get to that at the end. I have talked to my pcp, who referred me to an ENT. This ent said my problem is a crooked septum and enlarged Inferior turbinates. So I had a sinus surgery, to fix that (which in the run of things, hasn’t done Jack for my problem. He’s done cultures and said there was staff infection up/in there, and put me on antibiotics. That hasn’t helped. I have done Sinus rinses, with Tobermician (liquid antibiotic and budesinide (steroid) in the rinse bottle, and none of those have helped. I have been put on Fluticasone Propionate nasal spray, and that hasen’t helped, I can’t take prednasone because it causes eye issues. My last resort, that every dr says it’s not good and to get off of it, has been Afrin. It has been the ONLY thing that has worked, to shrink down my turbinates, to the point I can sleep, for short periods of time. But, even with the Afrin, I am still having this thumping feeling, in my head/sinus area, and is uncomfortable enough I have to change positions, or it gets worse. I am also still waking up, 2 – 3 hours (on a good night) and 1/2 – 2 hours (on a bad night) because while sleeping, my turbinates still close up, and I have to get up and “Deal” with it, which, at the very least, takes 10 – 15 mins, up to 1 – 2 hours. I know what all the dr’s have or are going to say. It’s an Afrin “Rebound”. The thing is, I have been through the Afrin “rebound” effect before. What is happening, the thumping in my head/sinus area is NOT an afrin rebound.. With the rebound, There was/is no thumping.. the walls just close up, and feels like being severely stuffed. My problem is different. Please believe me when I say this. I have gone without using the afrin, lots of times before, and don’t have the rebound from it. When I use it, I DO NOT breathe it up and into my sinus area.. I spray it in and up towards my inferior turbinates, then, before it drips back out, I plug that side of my nose so it can’t drip back out. It has been absolutely horrible, like a dark tunnel, with no end or light in sight. I am afriad to get any more sinus surgeries done, out of fear of getting “Empty Nose Syndrome”. I am in firm belief that my problem stems else where, since the surgery and nasal medicines have no effect or help. Also I, too, have gone for an allergy test, Hopeing that that might be a cause to this, but nope.. I am not allergic to anything they poked me with. Please Help!! I feel like I am going crazy/insane. I need some solution that will work, and get me back to being a normal person.
Hi Elfin. Thanks for sharing your story. It sound terrible! You have been through a ton of hard stuff. You have my sympathies! Did you happen to read the article called “When a “Sinus Infection” is an Intestinal Problem” http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2015/04/when-a-sinus-infection-is-an-intestinal-problem/
The only help I can offer is to work through this like the article describes. I agree that it sounds like the problem is not in the sinus. The only way to find out is to work this up.
I wrote a while back about a long on going issue with my neck and sinuses. I basically gave up and thought I had to suffer for the rest of my life after seeing doctor after doctor. Ultra sounds, ct scans, x-rays… And even painful injections in my neck to numb my pain to only have a couple days of heavenly relief.
I wanted to tell you and anyone who reads this that you should also think that it may be a dental issue.
Ten years ago I had my impacted wisdom teeth extracted. A piece of my upper wisdom tooth was left behind. Well I had no idea that it was pushing down and cracking a molar along the gum line for however long. I had no idea until my tooth gave way and broke. I obviously had the tooth pulled and there is still a piece that couldn’t be reached. This piece is actually right beside my nasal cavity puncturing it… Could have been ever since I got wisdom teeth extracted all these years ago that all this started. And I never put two and two together until I got this little piece pulled out and noticed a huge relief! I still have minor issues but the dentist informed me that if I still feel some oaib and sinus problems that I will have to see a specialist and surgically remove the piece if root by my nasal cavity. But wow what a huge difference!
My issues aren’t totally gone but I feel more like myself again and am so happy to have most of my pain suffering gone. Next is to hopefully get the rest surgically removed and hope to be 100% better.
Will post when I do and results as well.
*pain
Not oaib
I have suffered with chronic pain for 7 years after 2 car accident’s 6 days apart and another 3 years later once things started calming down. I have had seizures (focal or psuedo), numbness, convulsions, weakness, lumps, redness, you name it – everything. It’s a very long, document process. I am finally starting to get the care I need after many doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturist’s, allergists and self- health. Although I have a smile on my face most of the time regardless of the pain I am in, the things I have experienced would be found shocking by those who do not suffer from such ailments. I was diagnosed with lupus, fribromyalgia, dysautomonia, myasthenia gravis, hypermobility, etc. That’s all great, but I still have a signifigant amount of pain that does not get addressed when it needs to be. What I would truly desire would be to have a functional doctor in my area to help address things with me in an area that I can actually bring some help. Over the last year and a half I have eaten an AI diet, eliminating what I can and making a great living with it, but I need help as I can’t do it all on my own (although I try). Do you have a recommendation to finding someone in the Milwaukee, WI area?
Natasha everytime I hear a story like this I feel awful. I wish I could recommend a functional medical doctor near you. I can offer you my services. I help lots of people all over the world with functional medicine.
http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2013/06/can-you-help-me-even-though-i-dont-live-near-your-office/
If you have any other questions you can reach me through the contact page.
I wish you all the best!
For a few months now, I have been having sinus type pressure and pain only on my right side of my head. Some days are tolerable than others. It all started when I purchased one of those expensive pillows which didn’t feel right when I would lay on it…it was too hard on my neck. I would wake up with neck pain. Also at that time, I was not sitting at my computer desk right…leaning in to view the monitor because I didn’t have my contacts in my eyes. On top of that I went ahead and did these vertical sit ups and I think that was the icing on the cake and my symptoms surfaced. When I would turn my head to the right, I would get this sharp pain going up my right head. I don’t have that anymore…that went away in a few days or so, but now I have this sinus pressure/pain which hurts more when I bend over. It is now gone on two months. I have been doing a heating pad on the neck muscle, which at times is bulging out on the right side of my neck. I try to massage it and find that if I keep massaging it I can find a trigger that’s sending the sinus pain. I don’t know who should look at me, chiropractor? Please help.
Hi Kimberly! Yup I would start by seeing a good chiropractor for this. Your problem sure sounds like something is not working right in your neck.
Let me know how it goes!
Since September I’ve been experiencing neck ache and Sinusitis. My Sinus cleared up with antibiotics (took a month) although my neck problems didn’t seem to go. I’ve had a clicking neck that clicks when I tilt it left to right or if I rub the back of it. Since then I have had a some tension head aches that come and go, however recently (few days) I got a cold again that has made sinuses stuffy. I would also like to mention the sinuses are causing a pressure type aching in my upper teeth on both sides that comes and goes and is made worse when I lay down. I’ve notice my ears are also clogged up and have been since September. Thanks if you can help.
Hi Jason,
I’m not exactly sure what you’re asking. It does sound like your neck might be a problem. You might also have issues in your sinuses. Is there something else I can help you with?
Hi Jason. I have had neck and sinus issues for years and just suffered. Until just recently my last molar broke. Top right side and the right side is where all my issues were. Well turns out that a piece of my wisdom tooth I had extracted years ago was left behind because they couldn’t get it. I knew about it but I did not know that the root of it was actually puncturing my sinus cavity. And caused infection. I saw many doctors over the years and couldn’t tell me why I was suffering. I would get antibiotics and wouldn’t really help.
Since I got my molar out that broke and part of the remaining wisdom tooth that grew down and broke the molar I have had huge relief! Unfortunately a piece if the root is still by my sinus cavity and may cause issues again so if my pain and sinuses act up I have to see a specialist and get it surgically removed.
I don’t know if you have had wisdoms extracted before but I’ve read that many others have had issues with their sinuses afterwards. It may be worth it to look into it.
I never would have put the two together until my molar broke and had no choice but to see a dentist
Wow Daniela,
That is crazy! I’m really happy for you.
It really is crazy. And I was told that the darkening of my skin in my face was from pregnancy so I thought must just be melasma. On top of suffering with the pain for years which drove me to depression I got even more depressed because of my blotchy face. Well that has now cleared up almost completely!
And thank you 🙂
Hi Dr. Kilcup. I was wondering if I had a cervical disc slipped it would cause the problems I stated above. The reason I bring this up is when I feel up my cervical spine it feels as though one of the discs Is bulging. When I compared my cervical spine to my family’s they didn’t seem to have the same thing. Thanks.
Hi Jason,
I don’t think you’re suffering from any sort of disc problem in your neck. I do think you’re neck is not working right and as a result it can feel bumpy.
Thanks for the reply Daniela. I have Been trying to get to the bottom of this for a couple a months now and funnily enough I went to the dentist assuming it was an infected tooth causing the problems. The dentist has done root canal on one of my upper molars which had had a small cavity and signs that it could be infected, so I went through with the treatment, which hasn’t seemed to of helped. I’m going to go see a neck specialist in the next week or two to try and rule that out. If it isn’t my neck it must be sinus related I assume. I will let you know how I get on.
Jason, sorry to hear that you haven’t found out what’s causing the issues yet. I definitely know how frustrating it is. I gave up after years of xrays, ct scans, ultra sounds and no guidance to persue other options that might help. Just last year my last doctor (one of many I’ve seen) actually sent me to pain therapy where I got 5 numbing needles in my neck. Sometimes it can numb the pain up to a month! I was unlucky and only had relief for a few days. I just don’t understand how it was so hard for doctors to help.
I hope you find out soon what’s causing your neck and sinus issues. When you do, I would like to know, if you don’t mind.
Good luck 🙂
Hi again Daniela. I went for neck x-ray on Monday and got the results the following day. I have premature wearing on one of the discs in the lower cervical spine which is causing my neck muscles to be abnormally tight. This results in me having a lot of neck ache and regular headaches. It also causes sinus related issues due to the scm muscles being under strain. I can have physiotherapy if it gets worse. However they said it can usually get better on its on with correct posture and regular massaging. At least I know what it is now and how to deal with it. ?
Hi Jason 🙂 I’m happy to hear you found out what is causing your issues! Its so relieving isn’t it? Thanks for getting back to me. I wanted to see what else can cause the same symptoms.
Wish you all the best!
Hello Dr Kilcup. I didn’t think I would be contacting you again, but here I am!! The ongoing “sinus problems ” are no better and I resigned myself to having to live with it. I saw my doctor 3days ago and he noticed that my eyes were “sticky”. He is a general practitioner and doesn’t have many facilities but did look up my nose and told me it was very inflamed. Prescribed antibiotic cream to put in the nose, antihistamines and flixonase drops.All the problems are left side. I originally contacted you because your theory that sinus problems can come from neck problems made so much sense, and still does!! My neck and ear are extremely painful but the medical profession, who originally agreed this could be affecting the sinuses, now deny any link between the two problems. I discovered a site about something called “text-neck”, and as I spend a great deal of time texting (several hours a day), I wonder if this may be causing the problem.No computer so everything is done on the phone and I realise now that my head and neck are at a bad angle. Would a visit to a good massage therapist be advisable? Thank goodness we have you to help us. Many thanks, Shirley Brown
Wow, this article is very interesting. 2 months ago I was going through a very stressful period where my anxiety was through the roof. During this time I started to feel a lot of sinus pressure around my nose/cheeks, pain in my front upper teeth, some tearing of the eyes, and rarely pain in my forehead but I have no other symptoms (no runny nose nor congestion). My doctor sent me for an xray to check for sinusitis. When they called with the results they said I had a small sinus infection. I was put on antibiotics for 10 days. The meds didn’t help. The sinus pain and pressure continued but is not consistent. It seems to worsen when I’m stressed (I’m a shoulder shrugger) or after sitting in front of the computer for a long time at work. At one point my jaw muscles were also extremely tight with pain on both sides of the jaw near my ears. Should also mention that my teeth hurt the most when waking up in the morning but generally subside throughout the day (clenching maybe?).
After reading your article I started to tilt my head from side to side and front to back. WOW is my neck tight. My neck muscles feel like rocks when pressing down on them.
This makes me wonder, how could the X-ray have been wrong? I mean what do they look for in the x-ray that tells them it’s a sinus infection…
Now I’m debating if I should go back to my doc or see a chiro.
Any thoughts?
Hi Paul,
It sounds like you need to be re-examined to see if anything has changed on the xray since the antibiotics. If you have an infection you need to resolve it. A sinus infection is a serious deal so find out if you still have it or not. If the infection is gone but you are having the same symptoms then it could be a neck problem. It is possible that you have more than one thing wrong. Hope that helps! Let me know how you do.
Hi Doc, thanks for the reply.
I follow-up with my family doctor this morning. I’m being sent for a CT and consult with an ENT. She believes I’m clenching but wants to make sure I don’t have chronic sinusitis. As mentioned I have no other symptoms (running nose, congestion, fever), just the pain.
The last x-ray report that showed the infection also showed swelling which she says probably caused the infections. So i guess we need to figure out what is causing the swelling.
I’m going to see my dentist as well to confirm the clenching.
I still have a feeling that my neck is involved in some way though. For the past few years I’ve had facial numbness mostly on one side. MRI and blood work all came out ok.The numbness always occurs when i’m stressed or anxious. I may pay a visit to my chiro to get his thoughts as well.
Thanks again…have a good one
Hello Dr kilcup, I have been having some issues with my right ear,I couldn’t hear properly and was having some discharge( crust like) so I went for a test and the doctor said I had yeast infection(candida…) in my ear, was also given some ear drops to use. The symptoms stopped but was short-lived as early this year, I noticed that the muscles in the right side of my neck felt tighter, the back of my ear swollen,slight headaches and pressure in the upper part of my nose developed but doc, what alarms me is that I’ve got no pain in the area and my hearing is good now, I’m really worried…I’d be glad if u can help, thanks
Hi Augustine,
You need to be examined to get the answers you want. Your ear, sinuses, throat and neck need to be looked at to see what is going on. If you’re near Phoenix AZ I’d be happy to help, otherwise seek out a good doc and get looked at.
Hi there – glad to find this site. I have been dealing with a chronic cervicogenic headache for about 9 weeks now (after months of headaches and misdiagnosis). I am working with a great Physical Therapist to correct the postural issues that are the root cause, to manually treat the trigger points and to retrain my muscles and build strength where needed. I am happy to say that I am making progress. A while back I started having pretty severe pressure in my sinus region (from the sides of my nose and outward into cheeks, all the way to temples). I don’t have any congestion or other sinus synonyms though my ears often feel stopped up (I’ve been told SCM is to blame for that.) No one seems to know what is causing this severe pressure. It is rarely actual pain, but it is sometime. Would you suspect my very tight neck and shoulder muscles are to blame for this also?
Hi Patricia,
First off please consider adding a good DC to your team. Chiropractic can help in ways exercise can’t and I think you will be very glad.
As to your sinus symptoms they don’t sound like they are coming from your neck. I suspect either a sinus infection or an intestinal problem. Here is link to more info on that for you: http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2015/04/when-a-sinus-infection-is-an-intestinal-problem/
Let me know how your doing!
I should have added that I do also see a chiropractor. I am very interested in your response. I do not have any congestion or other sinus symptoms and a CT of my sinuses showed they were clear. Also the pressure arose in the midst of the headache. Do you still suppose it is intestinal? Should I cut dairy and gluten?
Ah! In that case, in my opinion, based on what you have told me it sounds like this could be an intestinal problem. Eliminating dairy and gluten would be a good idea. These foods are so often a problem. Beyond that testing is what will provide the answers. If you need help with that I can help. Let me know.
Hello again. I am writing back because, so far, there are no answers as to what the heck is going on with me. My Sinus problems (if that’s really the root cause of things) have gotten severely worse, to the point I am getting maybe only 1 – 2 hours of sleep in 2 – 7 days now. Like I had said in previous post, every time I lay down, which ever side I lay on, I get this thumping feeling (heart beat) in my sinuses, of the side I lay on, and that leads to that side closing up, closing my nasal air passage, and completely blocking my ability to breathe through my nose, which in turn wakes me up, anywhere from 10 – 30 mins after I lay down, to where I have to get up and fight (sometimes literally having to punch the side of my face, severe enough to leave bruises and/or black eyes, just to open up my sinus/nasal air passage) for hours, it seems, to get it/them open, just to lay down and have it happen again. The Sleep deprivation is driving me absolutely crazy. At times, due to it, I am having hallucinations (auditory and visual). It’s gotten a lot worse in the last couple months. I need answers but none of the doctors, I work with are able to give me any. They sent me to a psychologist and med prescriber, to deal with the depression and other stuff (caused by the Sleep deprivation) which is basically like putting a band-aid over a compound fracture. I don’t need meds, I need an answer to what the heck is wrong with my head. I have no where to turn to, I have no one that helps. I tell you, I am feeling absolutely and utterly Hopeless! I am severely depressed and looking for any way of getting sleep, and that talk is scaring my pcp, but he has no idea how to help me. I know I can not be the only one going through this. There has to be others having the same problem, but I can not find anything or anyone. Please Dr. Kilcup, any ideas, help, advise, or anything. I Need Help badly. I am desperate.
Hi Elfin,
I’m sorry that things have gotten worse. I rarely hear back from folks that leave comments asking for help so from that perspective it is nice to hear from you. Does the Afrin help anymore?
I have been trying to stay away from the Afrin since it can become counter productive. I feel my drs are not looking at thisfrom all angles. It has been infuriating. I just have no whereto turn and no one with answers. I feel I am slowly going insane from the lack of sleep, due to these problems, constantly waking me up. I have tried looking all over but there is nothing on anyone or anything remotely about/with this condition. I just don’t know what to do… I feel absolutely hopeless
What’s stopping you from seeking care from other doctors?
Elfin have you tried a humidifier, air purifier or a CPAP?
Other than that all the other things I’d recommend will involve functional medicine testing. I can do that with you. It sounds like there is an inflammation problem that is causing the sinus cavities to swell shut. Once the source of the inflammation is discovered the problem can be treated.
I have tried a humidifer, with no difference. I had tried my wife’s C-pap machine, my sinuses still close off and cut off air flow through my nasal passage, and the constant pressure of air, pushing into my nose was very hard to deal with. As for what’s stopping me from seeing other dr’s, at this point, is my insurance. I have gone in for a allergy test (where they poke your arm with stuff) and it was all negative. I just did a sleep study, at home test kit, last week, and I go in monday (8th of feb) for the results. I think you are right that it’s something causing inflammation, and now the question is what. I just have some feeling that the swelling up and cutting off my nasal air passage is the “end” result of whatever is causing it. My ENT says that I have overactive inferior turbinates, but I am quite positive that, that is not a correct diagnosis. I have had 2 sinus surgeries what I have had my septum realigned and straightened, and turbinate resection, and, according to my ENT, that should have fixed the problem with them. My ct scan seems and looks quite normal, which, at least to me, rules out the turbinates, as a main cause. I go through the nasal passage closing off, during the day, but it’s not even 1/2 as bad as when I lay down, and try to sleep. I know it’d be really difficult to come to see you, physically, since I am up in Portland Oregon, and I don’t want to step on my dr’s toes, or offend him by going behind his back, to another dr. but I am trying to think if there was a way to get some of your thoughts and ideas, to my ent, or sign some kind of waiver or whatever it is, so you could talk to him. I, of course, would pay for the consultation. I just feel 2 heads better then 1, on this and trying to find a solution. Let me know if this is an option. Thank you again for all the time you have put into me and my problem, already. I very much do appreciate it.
I can’t remember if I asked you to check out this article: http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/2015/04/when-a-sinus-infection-is-an-intestinal-problem/.
Unless the doc has been trained in functional medicine talking to him/her is not going to help. In the same way if a eent called me about treating a patient with a sinus infection it wouldn’t help because I don’t treat sinus infections. I hope that makes sense. I literally have patients all over the world right now. Here’s a little more info on that: http://www.darrellkilcupdc.com/can-you-help-me-even-though-i-dont-live-near-your-office/.
This makes perfect sense. I recently spent 20 hours in a car for a trip. Several days later, I was having pain/pressure in my right sinus. I can feel a knot in my neck. When I put pressure on it, the pressure in my sinus is relieved. I am convinced that the two are related. Thanks for this post! I have been inhaling essential oils (peppermint, thieves, R.C.), which are working well to give my sinus’ some relief.
Hello!
Fascinating read!
I was wondering though– I have neck tension and frequently get pain/tenderness in my sinuses, could they be related?
I’ve had my sinuses checked out, MRI, doctor with a scope etc and I’ve neti potted, used herbal sprays, have a humidifier… my gut tells me it’s tight neck muscles which is why I ended up here. I do not have a runny nose though, still possible?
Thank you 🙂
Hi Jaina,
It is possible. Your sinuses are reacting to something other than your sinuses. Since you are having the neck tension the problem could be in your neck. It could also be something related to your intestinal health. Did you check out the article/video on the sinus, intestinal connection?
Hello
I have a jaw problem that left me suffering from loss of cervical lordosis in my neck and headache in the back of my head.I often hear clicking voices as I turn my head. 16 years ago I fell terribly on my jaw. So my lower jaw is way backward in my head. Any suggesion would be helpful. Since that accident I really did not do anything about it. Is too late for me?
Thanks.
I was in a car accident and hurt the right side of my kneck. I went to chiropractor for 4 months but then a year later I started have sinus problems but only on the right side. Dr keeps telling me I have a sinus infection but I have no mucus or congestion just tightness on top of my head on the right side and in my forehead. No pain medication is helping cause it’s not a pain just tightness and head stuffy.
Have you ever heard of a neck problem causing memory loss? I have been sick for almost 2 yrs. It started with flu symptoms and I keep having episodes of runny nose,vertigo,ear pressure,ear pain,headaches,fatigue and neck pain.Symtoms range from mild to severe.After multiple doctors and tests I finally gave up and started treating myself. I saw a chiropractor but it didn’t help. I do not think he was very good s he didn’t really assess my condition and I feel like he wasn’t listening to me. A few days ago I got up and had a severe episode with sinus drainage and vomiting then I lost about 5 hrs where I don’t remember anything. My husband took me to the ER. After blood work,xrays,urinalysis,and head CT they found nothing and said I had a compound migraine.I had a past history of migraines and this was not a migraine.Do you think a chiropractor could help me?
How frustrating Donna. No I don’t think your problem is entirely a result of a neck problem. The neck could be one component of the problem. Sorry I wish I could tell you I thought that would fix it. Your story is the kind I hear often with my functional medicine patients. Please consider a get acquainted visit with me. I might be able to help you.
I’m hoping you an help point me in the right direction b/c I’m feeling hopeless. My issue started in August 2014 when I started having neck issues that progressed to severe pain as well as numbness in my fingers (RT hand) & weakness (RT arm). After an MRI, I was told I have a ruptured disc in my neck (C-5, C-6), so in October I had an ACDF with a donor bone, screws, & plates. After that, I still didn’t have any relief. The surgeon that performed the surgery kept referring me to PT. Nothing helped. I decided to go to another spinal doctor in July 2015 & was told that my previous fusion didn’t heal & the screws were loose & moving. As well as another ruptured disc (C-4)The only option was another surgery. In September I had another ACDF, they removed everything from the previous surgery & took a bone from my hip, put that & a metal cage in my neck. Each follow up appointment, I’ve been told it’s healing. However, I’m in chronic pain 99% of the time. I had another MRI done in March of this year & it showed that I had bulging discs & bone spurs. This was only done on my neck. I have pain down my spine, numbness in my fingers again, & massive headaches. I don’t know know what to do. I feel like I don’t have any quality in my life. And I have medical bills coming out of my ears. Please, please help. If you can.
Hi Aimee,
I am very sorry to hear about your situation. I wish I had a perfect fix for you. I hear 2 major problems. One is that your discs are weak and you have something compressing your nerves. At this point the compression problems are probably only fixable through surgery. You need to find a surgeon that will do this job right. As far as the disc strength, nutrition and lifestyle can help. I would be happy to explore the things you can do to help with disc strength with a “Ask Dr. Kilcup” session.
Hi, I just stumbled across your article whilst googling my problem and although I’m not sure this is exactly my problem it certainly opens up the possibility of other things going on. In a nutshell I was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis last October although I had no classic symptoms of sinusitis. My symptoms were all one one side and were (and still are) congestion in one side and a bad smell just on one side. For two years now I’ve had tightness/swelling in my neck on that side just below the jaw. I’ve had ultrasound scans, MRIs, everything at the top London hospitals with the best people but none of them can find anything wrong. I’ve been put on a course of Metronidazole and then Clarithromycin, both of which caused drainage into my throat on that side only. The drainage was particularly noticeable with the Metronidazole. The scans show no blockages or anything unusual in the lymph nodes despite being able to feel and almost now see quite considerable swelling. I have seen four different ENT consultants, who have all told me there is nothing wrong with me and have suggested solutions ranging from taking a mild antidepressant to going back to university to study medicine myself if I think there’s something wrong!!! Personally, I am convinced it’s something to do with my teeth as there is numbness on that side and my dentist has found that I cannot feel any cold on my upper molars on that side. However X-rays and scans show nothing wrong with my teeth. I do grind my teeth very badly when stressed. It’s been nine months since I started smelling the bad smell and two years since I felt tightening in the neck area. Have you ever come across anything like this before? Getting quite desperate now. Many thanks, Hilary
I have have ssinus problem in my neck for 5 months. Various xrays and an ultra sound have show the problem as Chronic sinisitus what can I do to ease the pain and drain the sinisus
Josie what have you tried?
i GET EARACHE IN RIGHT EAR FROM DRIP THEN MY VOICE GOES OUT AND EXTREME PAIN IN RIGHT SIDE OF MY THROAT NO ENT HELPS HAD CATSCAN OF NECK FOR LYMPH NODES NOTHING!
GET LOW GRADE FEVERS FATGIUE LAID UP WITH IT!
CAN U HELP???
I have had “sinus” problems for years and have seen so many Drs for treatment. S/s were the typical frontal headache, bad nasal congestion and post nasa
l drip causing laryngitis and getting chills, headache at its worst. I even had surgery on my nose. Then I got into 3 car minor accidents where I was struck. It caused permanent neck stiffness. I discovered I had a congenital neck problem that was not causing any problems until my accidents. Then I noticed my “sinus” s/s became worse to where I have trouble breathing at times. The mucous build up is so bad it narrows my airway. I’ve missed work, I can’t sleep, many remedies, treatments and modifications later (not working)I found someone who worked on my neck stiffness. I noticed I could “breathe” immediately after. I almost cried. Not only did they loosen my neck stiffness up by working on my neck scar tissue, but when they compressed a specific area in my neck (it hurts but has to be done for relief)by my ears I felt my sinuses open up immediately. This is the best treatment for my sinuses. It makes sense, my nose isn’t able to drain due to the neck stiffness blocking it, hence the mucous building up in my upper respiratory area which causes the nasal congestion etc.so when my neck is decompressed by manual (hand) traction or compression of those areas it opens up the area where nasal drainage can drain. I still am allergic to dust mites so I’ll always have drainage but unless my neck is decompressed i will have mucous build up causing airway problems.
Please help me. I have been experiencing sinus issues for 3+ years, assuming that they were related to a sinus infection, or possibly to allergies. I have taken Flonase, and utilized an almost chronic regimen of saline solution to help ease the pain; it works….but ONLY when combined with an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen. My symptoms often include: nasal swelling (as opposed to congestion), migraine-like pain behind my left eye, radiating to the rest of my sinus cavity on the left side, headaches originating from left eye, but also (and more primarily from) the base of my head/top neck to the left of my spine, pressure, etc. in my left sinus cavity.
Ok. So here’s the weird part. About 5 weeks ago I began experiencing what the internet told me is ulnar neuropathy/ulnar nerve compression. ALL of my symptoms fit this diagnosis, but with one curious trait: it is only present on my RIGHT side, as opposed to all of my sinus symptoms which seem only to present on the LEFT side. Weird, right? But, when I have someone massage my upper back/neck/shoulders, my sinus symptoms are almost always relieved (if only partially). My ulnar symptoms are not relieved, but i can feel that they are relative to the tightness in my shoulders. That said though, I have tendonitis (tennis elbow) in my right arm…..diagnosed 5-ish years ago. It also feels related to that. My pink and ring finger are chronically numb, and i have begun to lose a LOT of strength in my right hand in the past two weeks or so. I couldn’t even turn the ignition in my car.
I don’t know if these symptoms are all related, but they FEEL related. This is the only site I have found that seems to validate what I feel is happening….that my sinus problems AND my arm/hand problems may all be related. I have not seen a doctor yet, because I do not have medical insurance, and i want to see the correct medical professional without spending an arm and a leg, just to be told to take ibuprofen and see a chiropractor (which is what I’m pretty sure I need).
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE respond to me via email……I really feel as though you are the only one who can help me!
Thanks so much in advance,
Meredith
Hi Meredith,
At this point the only way I could help you more is to physically see you. Is that possible?
I loved this. I have been dealing with sinus issues over the last few months. But it ALWAYS starts with a few days of neck pain!! I just hope I can find someone to help with my neck. Is there a specific type or style you recommend? We just moved and I am looking for a new chiropractor. Thanks!
Hi Cydnei,
There are lots of great chiropractic techniques out there. What you need is a doc who is good! Ask around, look for reviews on the web. Blessings 🙂
Dumb question, what kind of doctor checks out your neck?
Hi Elizabeth,
A good chiropractic physician is who you would see about your neck.
This thread has helped a lot but I’m still fearing scared of my situation.
I went to urgent care, got antibiotics and steroids for strep throat. Usually that helps and it goes away, this time my head and neck was hurting terribly like it never had before and I couldn’t sleep or function.
Went to the er, tested me for mono and meningitis but came up negative. They gave me a shot, and some more steroids. Said it’s probably a bad viral infection.
I’m still having constant headaches and terrible deep ear pain, and back of neck top of spine pain. I went to my doctor and he’s wondering if it’s tension headaches and gave me medicine for that. I went to the dentist and he said my sinuses are huge and will probably give me problems for awhile.
I’m worried about the ear pain, neck pain and The all over headache I’m having. It’s been almost 3 weeks. PShould I go to a chiropractor? Is it my sinuses? I’m also in Mesa az.
Sorry to hear about this Stella. This could be several things. Without looking at you I can’t say. More than anything right now you need a doctor who will take the time to figure out what is really going on.
Hello,
Just read this article now and it is very interesting. I have had sinus-like pressure in the front of my head for the past 3 days. Advil helps and antihistimine helps a little less. I’m not really sure what this is. I have very minimal congestion (although I do have a little) and I am very fatigued.
The only thing I can think of is that I had a bad fall on my head/neck a little about 2 months ago. It healed pretty well I thought although sometimes still felt a little stiff. Do you think this could be related? I wouldn’t think so since it was so long ago.
Thanks!!
Your welcome Danna. It could be related. A good chiropractor can help you figure out what’s going on.
I have had sinus pressure for 2 months now. I dont have have any congestion. The pressure is mostly behind my eyes. It has also affected my vision. I wouldn’t call it blurred vision. Its tough to describe other than to say something just isn’t right. Its more prominent in bright light. I do get neck pain but it isn’t constant. It seems more sever when I am stressing about my vision because I tighten up. Could it be my neck that is causing the issues
i have neck and back issues and now a sinus problem i have had this issue for a year now been going to doctors and i think it might be my thyroid but i have been on so many different types of thyroid meds and post nasal drip now i am starting to think it could be my back and neck can you try to help me
When my husband lays down at night to sleep he gets horrible pain in the back of his head. He said he feels like he’s upside down in a swimming pool. He starts getting drainage that chokes him and makes him snore so he has to keep his head/neck muscles a certain way to be able to breathe and then it hurts so bad he can’t even sleep laying down. He has tried every different pillow available but they all hurt the back of his head. The only way he can sleep is on our couch propped up. We have been to different doctors and no one can help him with this issue? During the day he doesn’t have any drainage or sinus pain.
Hello there. I had pharangitis over thanksgiving and my throat fealt like it was swelling shut and i couldnt eat for 3 weeks. Finally its going away but i still have a problem.. My neck muscles feel as if they are infected or swollen. If i cough it feels like they move over to the middle of my throat. Nobody can figure out whats going on with me. They did lab work but no sign of infection. What is going on? Thank you
Hi Jasmine,
What blood tests were done?
They did all kinds of blood tests and got a call today that i have mono and antibiotics wont cure it so how do i go about treating this ?
Jasmine I’d love to help. Please fill out the functional medicine form: https://form.jotform.com/62988256034161 and attach the lab work that has been done. Once I go over everything we can meet over the phone/internet and talk about what you need. http://darrellkilcupdc.com/work-with-me/
I have had a muscle, or feels like a muscle, that seems to pop out on one side, and my sinus drains on the same side. I feel like I can’t breath. Ativan helps, but anti biotics help a lot, but they don’t want me on them. Also my eyes feel blurred. I have had this and suffered for years, and now on inhalers that seem to do very little. Can I have a doctor find this problem. It is like a muscle that just stiffs up. Dianne
Hi Dianne,
I can help with some of this. I really can’t know until I get the whole story. I need your full history and any medical records. Please fill out the functional medicine form: https://form.jotform.com/62988256034161 and attach the lab work that has been done. Once I go over everything we can meet over the phone/internet and talk about what you need. http://darrellkilcupdc.com/work-with-me/.
Dear Dr.
I have pain in my right shoulder and upper arm going to neck. When I lie down my sinus feels blocked, I cannot breathe. I have to turn on other side to “open my sinus” or get up. I feels like something is moving inside my sinuses when is unblocking. It started after hard physical work when I came to Canada. For pain I was given injection to my back (area of my right shoulder). I had many chiropractic treatments and the pain is less or more severe radiating to my right shoulder and neck. I was told once while visiting my country by chiropractor to have cut scan done middle chest area but family dr. here said I don’t need it. Very ofter I have symptoms like severe sinus infection but drug treatment doesn’t do much. For a long time I was suspecting my “back” pain has something to do with my sinus problem. Fifteen years ago I had a flue and I used GRAVOL suppository (it was my daughter, I had nothing at home) which “knocked” me over so strong that my husband panicked and called ambulance. In hospital after cut scan surgeon told me I have tumour “sphenoid meningioma” and worked on me to sign for operation. One year earlier I had done sinus cut scan and there was nothing wrong. I had no pain no problem but I was brain washed to sign. After operation I had the same problem with my “sinus” and back pain. Operation only added horror like bone infection which took two years to peresuade doctors something is terribly wrong with me like pain swelling and itching(until sinus developed discharging pus and blood). I wish I was closer to You to get Your help and expertise. I am so scared of doctors what next can happen. My husband cannot forgive himself for calling an ambulance that dreadful day . It is killing our marriage. My infection is chronic. I did not want another operation to remove my bone flap and followed by cranioplasty. I was not given any antybiotic treatment even second sinus developed on the surgical site. I am fighting infection with what ever I find. Going back to my sinus problem which walked me up tonight I know it is connected with my upper back pain going to shoulder and neck. I wrote to You sometime ago and I get very informed e-mails from You for which I thank You very much. I met four years ago dr. chiropractor treating my pain and I told Him my story with this questionable operation and He was interested to learn more about it.Unfortunately I needed more time to put my records together and He moved to another part of the city and I don’t know where. It is very hard really to find doctors like You or Him. I am so happy that You are helping people to recognize their problems before they get hurt by wrong therapies. I will try to find out dr. chiropractor who will listen and recognize the problem like You did for many patients. I walk up and open my computer and was searching for ansvers to my back and sinus problem and I find You. Thank You so much for Your work. I love Your family very much. Alice
I’m sorry for your suffering Alice. I sincerely pray that God would lead you to a doc that will listen to you and help.
yes i have this exact problem , and no one can fix it , i sneezed 3 years ago and have never been right since. i have popping and plugged feeling in my sinuses but this pain is derived in the back of the neck , but everyone says they are completely unrealated. I know for a fact it is related. please how do i fix this ?
Best thing Ryan is to see a good Chiropractor.
Refreshing article as I have thought about the connection for some time now. I have had many different treatments for my sinus problems all to no avail. I do however find I have sinus problems when my neck is bad. Many thanks for your enlightening article.
I have been seeing a chiropractor for forty years, they have all adjusted my neck and I am 64 years old and now I see the chiropractic adjustments are not helping anymore, any suggestions? I am going to see a PT who is trained in some kind of ortho spinal manipulations.
Hi Juliana,
That’s a really tough question to answer without physically seeing you. Obviously something different is wrong. Someone needs to figure out what’s wrong and fix it!
Hello- I have a Question regarding cervical manipulation, as the after effect has been particularly unnerving for me. In my case I had very tight muscles along the right side of my neck. I went in for my first adjustment two days ago, and I have developed a fluid filled ‘bulge’ just under my jaw/ear in my neck. I didn’t realize it was filled with fluid until I experienced pain and aching in the area and reached up to ‘work out the knot’ when it ruptured and sent a head rush through my head and sinuses. The swelling does go down with taking NSAIDs and using a cold compress, but without medication it swells up like a golf ball, finally ruptures and I experience that same ‘stop me in my tracks’ head rush. It feels like an overload of adrenaline. I went to bed he ER yesterday where they performed an iodine contrast c scan to check for VAD, blood clots or an aneurysm and I’m told nothing was located, that it’s possibly a buildup of fluid from a muscle being torn during the high velocity manipulation. But these effects when this fluid pocket ruptures are terrifying to me, as my sinuses rapidly expand and close within seconds and the hot feeling in my head is so unsettling. Can you please tell me if you’ve encountered this after a manipulation and what exactly it would be? Is it a fluid build up from inflammation? Where does the fluid go when it releases? Is it somehow entering my sinus passages or veins in my brain? Why the head rush over and over?
I’m a healthy 29 year old female with nothing in my medical history besides 3 normal childbirths. Please give me some advice as to who I can see about this particular issue or if it could be something more dire than inflammation. And why it causes the immediate adrenaline rush. I’m so scared by this as I went under the impression to the chiropractor’s clinic that I’d come out feeling so much better than when I went in. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much.
Hi Samantha,
I have no idea what’s going on. I recommend a MRI to see what this mass is. Until this mass is identified knowing what to do is just a guess.
Dr Kilcup,
Many years ago I was in several minor car accidents that involved minor whiplash. Over the years I have not taken the best of care of my neck. Several weeks ago my neck seemed to lock up. It was sore on both sides and at the base of the skull. I went for an adjustment, acupuncture and a massage. That did a little but it was still very sore. I went for an x-ray and then I went back and had light traction and more acupuncture. I was given exercises to do also. The result of the x-ray indicated degeneration and the start of arthritis. I have been doing the exercises, but now I find that I am feeling pressure behind the eyes and it is now swelling on my face just below the eyes over the cheekbone, and having headaches. Can you recommend what else I can do to at least stop these symptoms.
Thank You
Hi Sue,
It took years and a whiplash for your neck to get this bad. It’s going to take time for any treatment ot work. So keep seeing physicians that you trust and are helping. Follow their recommendations. Stay the course. I would include nutrition, adjustments, exercise and physical therapy in your treatment plan.
If you feel like the treatment is hurting talk to your doc. If you have doubts about the care ask around and try a different doc.
I have problems with my neck lower and upper back, which seem to be getting worse, three weekends ago my necks was hurting and it ended up seeming to be my sinus, same this weekend I’ve just spent the whole weekend sleeping, and trying to get some relief from the back, my eyes streaming, sunlight hurting my eyes, migraine like symptoms, feeling sick, neck pain , head pain, eye pain, shoulder neck pain, pain in my hand and arms, the list goes on, I’ve had two test on my hands and arms -EMG- which thankfully have come back as clear, I need to see my doctor again but I’m not sure he really knows what to do apart from give me more and more drugs!!
I have problems with my neck lower and upper back, which seem to be getting worse, three weekends ago my necks was hurting and it ended up seeming to be my sinus, same this weekend I’ve just spent the whole weekend sleeping, and trying to get some relief from the back, my eyes streaming, sunlight hurting my eyes, migraine like symptoms, feeling sick, neck pain , head pain, eye pain, shoulder neck pain, pain in my hand and arms, the list goes on, I’ve had two test on my hands and arms -EMG- which thankfully have come back as clear, Ive seen my doctor again but I’m not sure he really knows what to do apart from give me more and more Drugs ! He said that he can give my stronger drugs but will need to be taken for the rest of my life! I’m 39 and will love to wake up without thinking here we go again !!
Hi
I’m supposed to have a surgery for sinitus. and i have neck problems too. not sure of the reason.
Yes, I’ve been worried about this issue, Whenever I feel sinus in me, My neck will start killing me.
I had a research on that & I found a rare reason for it, which could cause more health issues rapidly after the minor event.
The torturing thing is having running nose with the neck pain. Not sure of the remedies.
Looking for a sustain remedy for this issue.
So if it is your neck causing your sinuses to act up, what can you do to help it? I’ve been having terrible face pressure in sinuses for almost a month, dry nose and ears feel clogged and stiff neck. Antibiotics did not work, nasal saline not working, I don’t know how to help it.
Hello Dr. Kilcup,
My name is Janzen. I have been through difficult times these past two years. In December 2015, I had a shoulder surgery for my right labrum, which is a joint in my shoulder. Less than a month later, I started noticing a painful sensation from my upper neck and lower head to my sinus, all on the right side. By April, it was hitting me full force. It is a pain that is hard to describe. The closest thing I can call it is a dull ache from upper neck to sinus, followed by a burning sinus sensation.
You don’t know how many doctors I have been through. Two years of misdiagnosis. Two years of Nerve blocks, steroid injections, phyiscal therapy, chiropractors, and terrible treatment by a clinic in Lubbock, TX. My most recent doctor told me that my C1 and C2 area of the cervical spine is damaged on the right side. Fluid leaks from my C0 (base of head) to my C2 area. Even worse, he told me that the surgeon who conducted my shoulder surgery is the one who damaged my C1 C2 area. Alot to digest I know, but please imagine how I feel.
My most recent treatment was an A2M injection in both sides of my C0, C1, and C2 areas of the spine, in order to fix the damage. It was unsuccessful. My doctor says the next step is stem cell treatment, whatever that may be.
Sir, I know you are not a miracle worker just like any other doctor, but I am at wit’s end here. I don’t know if you have ever had to give up your passion, but I had a free ride to graduate school that I had to turn down simply because I can not find a treatment for this pain. I am not able to concentrate enough to hold a job, and to sum up my feelings, absolutely useless. I am not looking for a magical cure, just a finger in the right direction.
Is there possible a connection to damage in the C1 C2 area of the cervical spine and sinus pain? If you are unable to assist me I completely understand. I am 22 years old. If you can help me, I would do anything I could possibly due to get my health back. I just want a life again. Thank you for your time.
-Janzen
Hi Janzen,
I’ve very sorry to hear how tough life has been for you. I wish I could help you long distance. Because your problem seems to be involving some musculoskeletal components I would need to actually see you and determine what is going on there. More than anything you need a doctor that can make sense of what is actually wrong. I wish you lived closer to me so I could do that.
Dear Dr. Kilcup,
Hello. How are you? My name is Amber. I was reading your article and was interested. My mom has been sick and the doctor’s can’t find out what it is. Now I am aware that it could possibly be her neck that needs to be checked. Thank you for posting this article.
Hi, Can you please refer me to a good functional medicine/chiro in the Cleveland, Ohio area? Thank you!
I’m sorry but I don’t know anyone in that part of the country.
I have bad neck pain up the back of my head . Occasionally I take sudafed for seasonal allergies and on those days my neck feels some relief. Is that connected?
Thanks
Hi I’m 17 weeks pregnant and been suffering with headaches then felt I had a sinus infection but now iv been waking up with a really sore neck every morning then headache it moves around my whole head and lingers, the neck starts to get sore again towards the evening again but in the morning it is unbearable I’m going to try and see a chiropractor tomorrow I keep thinking the worst eg brain tumour please help
Cloe I’m glad you are going to see a chiropractor. He or she will be able to give you more guidance that I can.
Thank you for this information!
I have been having sinus issues and yesterday went to see my chiropractor . After one adjustment my headache feels better ! I also noticed when he adjusted my neck I felt drainage in my throat . I am hoping that is another sign that this is the help I needed!
That is great Stacey!
Thank you so much for posting this video and information! I have had “Sinusitis” for the past 7 weeks. 3 doc visits/4 antibiotics, decongestants, the whole gamut. Was told ENT is next and Nasal Endoscopy and probably a CT Scan. Thought I should go to the chiropractor and see if it was possibly my neck since I had some upper shoulder/neck issues a few yrs ago, but hadn’t been back to him. Went and he said yes, my C1 was locked and pushing my mandible into my Eustachian Tube causing sinus drainage and my ear to feel ‘full’ and ‘weird’. I’ve gone twice, and the adjustments are a bit scary to have my neck adjusted, but I’ve been reading about it. It does seem to help a lot, but the sinus comes and goes… as in never really goes away, but does get a little better, then stuffs up again. The whole 7 weeks the drainage has been out the back, never out the nose and it’s mostly just stayed put and wouldn’t drain at all. Yesterday I had drainage out the nose a few times! (Who would celebrate that? lol)
I just wanted to thank you and ask your opinion… does this sound plausible to be fixed by these neck adjustments to you? I’m also doing neck traction on a posture pump, I could only do 2 pumps! I’m doing one more pump each visit every few days.
How long do you think it should reasonably take to clear up the sinuses?
I’m 5’10”, 165 lbs, 42 y/o female, great health, yogi. I honestly think it’s been locked out of place for at least a year, in retrospect.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated and there need to be more articles like this because I combed the net for a month and didn’t find it, until I put in neck alignment sinus drainage.
Hi Brandi,
Sounds like your chiropractor is doing a good job. Follow his advice on the neck.
Did you see this article?
http://darrellkilcupdc.com/2015/04/when-a-sinus-infection-is-an-intestinal-problem/
Neck pain and sinus issues for 20+ yrs.
Knew they were connected and that chiro visits helped but never got a complete hold on them.
Your video fills the WHY gap for me.
So much easier to respond to my symptoms in the correct way now.
Thx you for your service to those of us out here struggling with headaches and not wanting to take drugs more than needed.
Hello,
I’m hoping for some insight… at the end of Sept. 2017 I had a bad allergy attack that lasted for about two weeks with the major symptom being constant sneezing and having to blow my nose due to crazy amounts of snot! It took about two weeks to calm down and as soon as it did, a new crop of symptoms appeared. I have been dealing with these up until now, so late February 2018. It is all concentrated on my right side. I have a little bit of pressure behind my right ear on and off, an achy feeling. There is also a cottony feeling on the right side of my throat which feels better after I eat/completely goes away while I’m eating. I can also have a tight feeling on the right side of my throat that can extend to the front of my neck down to my collarbone. All of these pains are usually fairly mild and just more irritating as opposed to painful and come and go. I sometimes wake up with a very sore throat, but not always. I’ve seen several people including an m.d. and an osteopath. The m.d. said I had no ear or sinus infection but said I had a TON of post nasal drip in my throat. The osteopath also said he thought it was a post nasal drip thing. The m.d. prescribed me a short-term dose of steroids and I have been using saline spray for a bit now. I have an appointment with an ent. in two weeks just to make sure he doesn’t see anything crazy. Could it possibly be a strained neck muscle/joint/ligament? I can’t help but remember that it all popped up after my allergy attack which makes me think it HAS to be related to that but it’s been months and I have no other allergy symptoms… I think it is also slightly puffy on my right side of my neck, but I also know that bodies are not perfectly symmetrical so I don’t know if it has always been that way. This also happened right around the time when it uncharacteristically rained for several days straight (I live in the desert.) Lastly, I notice a slight click on the right side of my jaw that I’ve never noticed before. I’m 30 yrs old. My most annoying symptom is the feeling that something is caught on the right side of my throat on and off. Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Hi Caroline,
There are many possibilities here. Yes your neck could be contributing to this. That’s easy to find out. Just get your neck looked at by a good chiropractor. There are many other possibilities. Food sensitivities, infections, leaky gut, ect. Look around my website for more info on all of these.
Hi doc! Thank you for this Information and video. I had a sphenoid sinus cyst removed in 2015. Ironically they couldn’t see much on a cat scan but when they went in they removed a lot of infection. Every year around this time I get this pain in my neck, shoulder blade and face oh and I have trigeminal Neuralgia as well. Anyhow I feel like I’m dying right now. I’m in horrendous pain and my eye ball feels like it’s going to pop out of my face. I do have neck problems and I’m scheduled for an epidural which I’m terrified of. I am at a loss as to whether this is really my sinuses or my neck or both and why do I get it every year. I also want to say that antibiotics helped but after finishing them the pain came right back. I am scared to death. I’m young with two kids and single mom and I can’t even stand up right now without nausea. My inner ear hurts on and off and I’m just lost. Is it an ent issue or neck issue or a little of both. So confusing! By the way I hate doctors. They just bounce you back and forth. I’m a huge believer in chiropractic as well as I would love to one day get off all these addicting medications. I would so appreciate your help.
Hi Gina,
CLearly there is a lot going on. I suspect that you do have some kind of infection. You could also be having a neck problem as well. If you’ve been on a lot of antibiotics there is also a good chance that you have some issues in your intestinal tract. http://darrellkilcupdc.com/2013/02/after-taking-antibiotics/, http://darrellkilcupdc.com/2015/04/when-a-sinus-infection-is-an-intestinal-problem/
Here is the information on working with me: http://darrellkilcupdc.com/work-with-me/
Had a thyroidectomy and have problems with nose 2 days out of hospital. One side swells on the inside. Coming from nostril corner up to center of nose. Been to two ENT’s. Cat scan – nothing. Wanted to put me on Gavopentin. Now 5 months out – still same pain – swelling inside. No signs of sinusitis, etc. So now going to get an mri on neck and back. I’ve had sinus issues but nothing like this before. Then they said allergies – so got all kinds of allergy tests – nothing. Eosinophils Absolute (blood test) rising. Any good ideas? TSH on a roller coaster ride.
I knew it! I’ve had severe pain in my neck for about 3 months and it’s been accompanied by a blocked nose and conjestion which feels like it’s right up in my head. No other cold or flu symptoms though. I’ve also been practising yoga but although this clears my head i think it’s making my neck worse. Thank you for the article. I will look for a local chiropractor and take it from there.
I’m wondering if it can work the other way around. Sinus problem causing neck irritation of the nerves.
What the name for this? How is it treated? Could you have a problem in your legs and feet from this?
Hi had several surgeries for Chiari malformation where they cut your neck muscles and have had Sinus problems since. It was refreshing to know I wasn’t imagining this connection. My neck gets so tight that it feels like it pulls my sinuses downward. Thank you for this posting!
I have serious issues with my sternocleidomastoid on the left side, as well as the trapezius. I get swelling above my left clavical and have had this condition for probably 30 years. I have chronic migraines that are completely debilitating. Every massage person is afraid to really work the SCM (with good reason I suppose) but I need help! I really feel it is a big link to my migraines. What, if anything, can you do?
Hi Cathy,
Helping you starts with finding out what’s causing the problems.
I need more information before I can give you specific ideas as to what I think. If you would like to fill out my history form https://form.jotform.com/62988256034161 and schedule a “Get Acquainted” visit I will be able to give you specific things I suspect and exact costs to move forward.
Sir! I am 42 years old.I suffering from back neck pain&headache.MRI of brain suggests left maxillary sinusitis.I have taken medicine of sinusitis under supervision of an ENT doctor for two months,but it didn’t solve the problem.I am also a minor case of osteoarthritis of knee.By reading your post ‘WHEN SINUS INFECTION IS A NECK PROBLEM’ I guess probably my neck is the cause of sinusitis/headache.please guide me how can I ascertain the actual cause?
I have chronic neck and shoulder pain daily ..fusion in 4 5 6 vert in 1998 ..have sinus infection now…neck and shoulders hirt o much …headache cant shake this …wht you explain makes sense….what can i do ?
I’m having these exact symptoms. After having a MRI to see if I had a sinus infection and was recommended to see a neurologist, I decided to see a FM&C. Not sure if he’s figured out what to do about it yet. Thoughts?