Many of my headache patients tell me: “I didn’t have a migraine last week, but I did have a sinus headache”. In my experience actual sinus headaches are rare. This is because migraines can cause a generalized swelling in the entire cranial cavity, including the lining of the sinuses. The symptoms are indeed in the sinuses, but the root of the problem is usually a migraine pattern. The nasal sinuses are lined with erectile tissue (just like the sexual organs) and there can be many fluctuations in the behaviour of this tissue. If a migraine triggers these tissues to swell then phlegm can get trapped in the twists and turns of the sinuses and bacteria will grow. And then - voila! a sinus infection is born. Then the intense pressure, pain and even fever will let you know it’s time to go to the doctor for an antibiotic. But remember, no amount of antibiotics will interrupt the cycle of migraines. Of course people with migraines can also have allergies, which further confuses the issue. If your eyes water and itch, there are probably allergies involved. But here is the good part. You don’t need to know what you have. Acupuncture treats all of these conditions - sinusitis, migraine, allergies. So if your head hurts or you are full of phlegm for any reason, come see us.
