Cary Chiropractor explains the connection.
Nasal Congestion or Allergic Rhinitis
Tens of millions of Americansare affected by allergic rhinitis, also known as nasal congestion, every single year. This leads to an estimated 3.8 million missed works days and cost as much as 6 billion dollars in annual health care expenditures. Nasal congestion is putting quite a burden on our country and it rarely gets much media or national attention.
Its not just people who are suffering with an acute common cold that will be gone in a couple weeks. Many people are suffering from nasal congestion for months or years at a time. This leads people to the medicine isle for Nyquil, Dayquil, Claritin, Zyrtec, nasal sprays (both OTC and prescription), and other antihistamines to help with congestion. I have met people who have taken these medications on a regular basis for years.
In my research I was not able to find much information on the side effects of the chronic use of antihistamines. There are many short term side effects such as dizziness, headaches, and constipation. Let us look at it this way. Histamine is produced naturally in the body and acts as a neurotransmitter, aids the immune system, and has 23 known physiological functions. Histamine plays a big role in triggering an immune system response. So, by taking antihistamines on a regular basis, you are interfering with normal body function, 23 functions to be exact. Something to think about.
Chiropractic care may help.
There have been numerous studies linking chiropractic to improved immune system function. Also, upper cervical misalignments can cause a disruption of nerve output to the sinus area. Improving upper cervical alignment and motion may have a positive effect on sinus function.
Lastly, there is a massage technique and an instrument adjustment that I have used for a while on my patients that has an excellent success rate in my office. The vast majority of the people come back the next visit and tell me that it was a big help for their congestion. For example, a patient of mine told me last week that her sinuses felt much better and clearer after a treatment. This is a person who has dealt with sinus issues for over 10 years and has even had surgery for it. This technique is very gentle on the patient.
If you or someone you know is dealing with sinus congestion and is ready to try a natural solution that does not involve a neti pot, tell them to consider chiropractic care.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Ben Fonke