9 Natural Ways to Relieve Sinus Pain and Headache

Having headaches and sinus problems is uncomfortable because it moves about in different areas of our heads slowly. After coughing, bending down, or just leaning over, the pain increases even more. The pain may move onto our teeth when bending or leaning over. But don't worry, read along to find out how to get rid of pain and headaches like this!

How does Sinus Pain Occur?

In essence, sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull. They can be found behind the forehead, cheeks, eyes, and nasal bones. Most of the time, mucus drains out, and air flows through the sinuses. But when the mucus builds up or the sinus openings become blocked, different bacteria and germs can grow more quickly. This blockage of sinuses and the build-up of germs cause Sinusitis which in turn causes Sinus Pain or headaches. This condition is not life-threatening, but it can sometimes prove dangerous. Infections caused by Bacteria and germs in the sinuses can also spread into bones, the brain, and the spine.

How to Identify Sinusitis?

It helps a lot when you identify a disease early on as it gives you a chance to treat it early and stop the disease from causing more damage. Here are some symptoms to identify Sinusitis −

• Nasal obstruction or congestion makes it harder to breathe via the nose

• Pain, swelling, and pressure around eyes, nose, or cheeks. Pain increases when bending over

• Mucus that is thick, yellow, or green and drains from the nose or the throat

• Bad Breath

• Cough

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Ear Pressure

• Weakened sense of smell

The Central Part: Natural Remedies to Relieve The Pain

Let's now discuss some all-natural remedies for headaches and sinus problems. These methods are very effective if performed with accuracy and consistency. Here are those methods −

• Use Steam − Breathing in steam or taking a hot shower helps to relieve sinus pain—dry mucus in your nose form crusts that block the sinus drainage and aid in trapping viruses. An increase in humidity can help in thinning out the hardened mucus and moving it again. Using a humidifier helps with breathing in steam, but other methods will also do. It will also work if you sip on some hot tea or soup.

• Take Some Rest − Having a good night's sleep can help relieve this condition. When we sleep, our brain releases hormones that promote tissue growth, and our body produces more white blood cells, which attack viruses and different bacteria. Sleeping helps reduce sinus pain, speeds up recovery, and helps us feel more refreshed.

• Drink More Water − Due to dehydration, the sinuses' mucus dries out and forms crusts. Drinking more water will keep you hydrated and help reduce blockage in the sinuses. Apart from water, there are other choices to stay hydrated such as broth soups, tea, water-based vegetables, and fruits.

• Move Your Body − Exercise can help reduce sinus pressure. Any exercise is known to increase blood circulation and relieve the blockage of sinuses to ease breathing. There will be some discomfort in doing some exercise while being sick, but exercise helps improve recovery and speed up healing.

• Using Hot and Cold Compresses − Using hot and cold washcloths alternatively over the eyes and nose can help relieve sinus pain and headaches. First, start with a hot towel across the sinuses for about 3 minutes, then place a cold towel for 30 seconds. Alternate this process two more times to complete one round of treatment. Repeat rounds like this 3-4 times a day for good results.

• Eat Spicy Food − It has been observed that many people get relief after consuming spicy food like peppers or hot mustard. These peppers contain capsaicin, which proves to be effective in relieving some types of pain, and sinus pain is among them. Try out spicy foods; this is very effective.

• Saline Flush − Saline flush helps clear sinus congestion and relieve sinus pain. The salt in the saline spray works to make your nose moister and lessen sinus pressure. You may buy salicylic spray in pharmacies or prepare your own at home. Making one requires pure water, salt without iodine, and baking soda.

• Look into how you Sleep − As mentioned earlier, good sleep helps boost recovery and relieves sinus pain; it is also essential to look into how you sleep. Lying flat increases the build-up of mucus and increases sinus pain. With a cushion supporting your head, you can prevent nasal build-up and breathe more easily and pleasantly.

• Relaxation Techniques − Biofeedback therapy is beneficial in relieving sinus pressure. This approach often involves painkiller medication and deep breathing exercises. The use of yoga, meditation, and other practices can decrease pain and pressure.

Sinus Headache or Migraine?

A lot of people mistakenly believe they have sinus headaches. According to research by the American Migraine Foundation, those who mistakenly think they have a sinus headache account for nearly half of all misdiagnosed migraine cases. Additionally, it has been shown that more than 90% of patients visit the doctor believing they have sinus headaches but leave knowing they actually have migraines.

People with migraines observe symptoms similar to Sinusitis, like a congested nose. Migraine headaches also cause pain along trigeminal nerves, which interact with sinus passages. Those experiencing migraine pain often think they have sinus pain due to the interaction with the sinus passages. Even if you are not experiencing symptoms similar to sinus pain, you may have a migraine. Migraine is an entirely different treatment than a Sinus headache. Some of the symptoms of migraine are as follows −

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Dizziness

• Light and sound sensitivity

If you have observed this kind of symptom, you are most likely experiencing a migraine attack, not a sinus headache. Both of these conditions may feel similar, but they aren't.