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Sinusitis : A Mechanical Approach
by Joyce Vetterlein, MGPCR, DO, Grad.Dip. Pharm., M.Sc. |
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The face is made up of a number of bones which interdigitate with each other and with other skull bones, like a three-dimensional jig saw puzzle.
The joints between the bones allow them to move very slightly, even in old age. Some of these bones contain air-filled cavities or sinuses.
The exact function of the sinuses is not known. It has been suggested they insulate the brain from the extremes of hot or cold inhaled air, but this does not provide a sufficiently good reason for their survival. That they provide resonating chambers for the voice could have more evolutionary significance, especially given the peculiarly human ability for complex verbal communication, in part a survival strategy. Whatever their use, we are all lumbered with them (sinuses) from puberty onwards.
The sinuses develop as outgrowths of the nasal cavity and are lined with the same mucous-producing membrane as the nose itself. This epithelium is covered with minute hairs or cilia that beat in waves to waft the mucous across the surface and out through drainage holes into the nasal cavity.
 Sinuses are prone to infection when we have a cold. Recent research has shown that forceful nose-blowing, which can feel so satisfying, actively encourages sinusitis by forcing an aerosol of infected material into the small sinus openings. As we fight an infection, more mucous is produced. At first the cilia go into overdrive to clear the sinuses. If this works - fine, but if the sinus drainage mechanisms are overwhelmed, the mucous pressure builds up in the cavity, causing pain and knocking out the cilia. This scenario is particularly bad in the maxillary antra, the two largest sinuses on either side of the nose. These suffer not only from having a small opening into the nose but the added disadvantage of draining uphill. Treatment can be directed at knocking out the infection, reducing mucous production, making the mucous more fluid, enhancing the immune response etc.
The osteopathic approach is first to examine the movement of the facial and appropriate cranial bones. Where movement is present, sinus drainage is usually good. A blow to the face or head, a difficult delivery of the head at birth, forceful dental treatment, certain orthodontic appliances, allergies affecting the mucous lining (allergic rhinitis) and whiplash injuries are some of the factors that can reduce movement and consequently sinus drainage. The techniques used are gentle and often patients can be shown how to treat themselves and their children.
Osteopathic treatment can be given alone or in conjunction with other forms of treatment.
© Copyright Wholistic Research Company 2001
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