The Sinuses are air-filled, mucousal lined cavities which develop in the Facial and Cranial bones of the skull. 

There are four groups of sinuses: 

• Frontal - Paired, in frontal bone. 

• Maxillary - Paired, in maxilla. Related to tooth-bearing area of maxilla. 

• Ethmoid ? 

• Sphenoid - paired in the sphenoid bone

Inflammation to these cavities is called Sinusitis.

Sinuses are prone to blockage and infection from a variety of reasons, including viruses, food allergies or intolerances, Trauma,weather and other environmental factors. The cavities are in direct communication with the nasal airways so what affects one affects the other.

There are over twenty bones in the skull and face, they come together like a three dimensional ?jig saw?. These bones have small but very definite movement which allows functions like Sinus Drainage to take place. Impairment of these movements can cause restriction in Sinus Drainage which causes a build up in pressure. Anyone who has had a ?Sinus Headache? knows how this feels. The fluid which is unable to drain stagnates and can become infected. This in turn can infect the lining of the drainage vessels leading to major discomfort. Traumas are a major cause of the restriction in the facial bones.

The sinus drainage mechanism also involves structures in the throat, the upper ribs and chest. Again, freedom of movement to these structures is vital for the integrity of the sinuses. Traumas to any or all oof these structures may cause impairment or lack of function to the sinus pumps and drainage mechanisms. Traumas include unresolved whiplash or any falls or accidents which may have affected the spine.

Dysfunction through this mechanism can be a major factor in snoring and sleep apnoea.

Infections and food allergies are other causes of sinus problems, so during infection it is wise not to take any foods that may irritate or worsen the condition. For example, certain foods promote production of mucous, so these should be avoided. They include all dairy products (including chocolate), Bananas and Red wine. Coffee can dry out the mucousal lining making drainage difficult.

Osteopathic treatment with regard to blocked or inflamed sinuses is very gentle and soothing. It involves insuring movement of the structures involved in sinus drainage, and gentle movements to the bones housing and surrounding the sinuses. In cases where there is no permanent damage to the sinus mechanism, Osteopathic treatment has proven to be very helpful.

Osteopathic treatment promotes the body?s own ability to deal with infections and drainage and therefore reduces the need for unnecessary medication. This in turn helps you and your body to function better as a whole.