What triggers sinus headache?

Sinus Headache Treatment

A sinus headache can be categorised as a headache that’s bilateral in nature with symptoms felt on both sides of the sinus, face and nose. Sinusitis, whether allergic, nonallergic or fungal, can cause changes in the pressure in the sinuses.

However, the sinus infection itself is often not the cause of the headache. Indeed, a sinus infection will often trigger neck pain, which in turn causes the referred pain around the head and is the actual cause of the headache. In a 2019 study, researchers reported 84% of sinus headache sufferers reported neck pain associated with headaches.

We treat many sinus headache sufferers at the Sydney Headache and Migraine Clinic, and we employ cutting-edge methods to determine whether your symptoms are stemming from your neck or brainstem. Once treatment starts, we expect a significant improvement to rapidly occur in 90% of our patients with Sinus Headaches and within the first 3 weeks of treatment consultations.

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Understanding your Headache

Sinus Headache Symptoms

Your sinuses are spaces inside the bones of your cheeks, forehead and behind the nose that are filled with air, these spaces are used by the body to drain mucous. There are also sinuses in your brain. The forehead, cheeks and nose sinuses often get inflamed due to allergic reaction, such as hay fever, or from an infection.

This inflammation causes an increase of mucus secretion, which can result in a blockage of the sinuses. This can lead to additional painful symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, in the forehead, around the cheeks, below the eyes, behind the nose and even around the teeth.

The presentation of a sinus headache can be similar to a migraine and/or a tension-type headache.

To differentiate sinus headaches from the other types of headaches, patients will normally present with headache like symptoms and the following:

Runny nose or congestion during headache
Watery eyes during headache
Increased pressure or pain in sinuses

Sinus Headache Prevention

Understanding Your Headache

What Causes a Sinus Headache?

A sinus headache is thought to occur due to respiratory infections such as an allergy (e.g. hay fever) or a cold. This can result in headache and migraine like pain, due to the infection within the sinus.

During an allergic reaction, such as inhaling an allergen the sinus nasal cavity will sense a threat due to the presence of a foreign body. This treat is registered by the trigeminal nerve, which then transmits the information anteriorly to the superior salivatory nucleus. The body response, is to fill the sinus and nasal cavity with excess mucous, creating dripping out of the nose, or digested by swallowing. This gives the sensation of a blocked nose, headaches and migraines associated with sinusitis.

One of common causes for sinus headache is having a dysfunction in the neck. In this case, an overactive and sensitive trigeminal nerve will lead to a sensitised brainstem. What would normally be a normal response to allergen now results in immediate allergies and sinus headaches from a sensitised brainstem.

For example, when a non-allergic dust particle enters the nose and sinus, the body now registers this as a threat, due to a sensitive and heightened trigeminal nerve. The sensitised trigeminal nerve then transmits information to the superior salivatory nucleus to secrete excess mucous in the sinus and nose. This may lead to an infection to occur as there is an excess amount of mucous for bacteria to breed in. Once the infection occurs, migraines and headaches will usually follow, resulting in sinus headaches.

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About The Assessment Stage

What To Expect During The Assessment

1. Comprehensive and in-depth examination

We instigate an in-depth assessment to identify all possible related factors that could be causing your headaches or migraines. The upper cervical spine, in particular, is thoroughly examined to identify possible issues.

2. Ligamental stability and vertebral arterial tests

We undertake careful examination of neck ligaments and vertebral arteries, ensuring only the highest standards of patient safety and comfort.

3. Temporarily reproduce your headache and migraine symptoms

As a part of the treatment process, we apply gentle and selective stress to the upper cervical spine in order to reproduce headache symptoms, which subside after 20-30 seconds. This helps to identify and treat the cause of your headaches.

Sinus Headaches Prevention

Exercising

To improve general well-being and quality of life, physical activity has been shown to be very effective. Exercises can improve muscular endurance and strength and this can be added with simple exercises in your daily routine to improve your function.

Avoiding Triggers

Try avoiding certain foods, environments, smells and/or activities that have triggered your headaches in the past.

Reducing stress

Stress can play a large role in headaches. Having stress can often cause muscular tension, typically along the shoulder and neck muscles. Strategies such as breathing techniques, regular walks and/or doing activities that you enjoy are good ways of reducing stress.

I’ve tried everything! What else can be done to help my Sinus Headache?

Sinus Headache Treatment

Generally patients have tired over-the-counter painkillers, nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, decongestant medications, sinuses with salt water, breathing in humidified air, flushing the nasal cavity and even surgery. Despite all your efforts you may still end up with continuous sinus headaches as you have not found the root cause of your symptoms. If this is the case, have you had your neck and brainstem assessed to investigate whether the cause of your symptoms are originating from the brainstem itself?

At the Sydney Headache and Migraine Clinic, we compete a thorough examination of the upper cervical spine to determine the severity of your sensitised brainstem.

If the brainstem is identified as the likely trigger of your sinus headaches, treatment can begin immediately. Once treatment commences we expect an improvement to rapidly occur in 90% of our patients with sinus headaches. We expect to observe this within the first 3 weeks of treatment consultations.

Google Rating

4.9

Based on 320 reviews

Brisbane Headache & Migraine Clinic

4.9

Nathan Wrench

08:44 15 Nov 23

I've had migraines weekly for over 10 years with no real relief from any prescription medication or help from medical... practitioners, until i saw Dr Mattias. He has been an incredible help in finding the reason behind my migraines and is now in the process of fixing them.I would highly recommend giving Brisbane Migraine and Headache Clinic if you are suffering from any sort of mirgaines.read more

Lachlan Chaffey

07:43 15 Nov 23

I would highly recommend Brisbane Headache & Migraine Clinic to anyone seeking a life free from headaches and... medication Practitioner Mattias McAndrew and the reception staff are very professional and accommodating to patient needs as I live out of Brisbane right from when I contacted them through www.brisbanemigraine.com.au and most importantly have made a huge difference to my migraines which has also made me feel like getting back into living and enjoying life. Thank you to all the team at Brisbane Headache & Migraine Clinic.read more

Sinead Prince

09:42 28 Oct 23

I was suffering from a terrible cluster headache period and upon my very first treatment with Piumi, I haven't had a... single headache reaching the same 10/10 pain again. It's been two weeks and multiple sessions, but I have my life back already and am treating my headaches with either caffeine or aspirin. I go several days without them now and I cannot thank Piumi enough.read more

Leisa Burdette

08:15 24 Oct 23

When I first met Piumi at the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic I was experiencing a cocktail of god awful symptoms... like constant head pain + pressure, that included feeling dizzy, disconnected and a roaring/static sensations in the head, to the point where it made me tired and often times nauseous. I couldn't focus which made it very difficult for me to work or do day-to-day tasks. By the time I found the clinic I'd had MRI, CT's, seen Neurologists and other specialist.So you can imagine just how RELIEVED I was to find something that worked........ and worked really rather quickly. I'm so grateful to see that all my nasty symptoms have now been kicked to the curb!I'm no longer weighed down, I'm so much happier and back to working full time.And can I say......Piumi listened !! so many of the medical profession only half listened or just presumed things. Piumi just took it all in, heard all the details of MY experience and treated MY situation with individual care.I can't tell you how good it feels to be back to normal.So don't think about it... GO... try it...... you'll be as happy as I am that you did. No more pain, no more despair. Live againread more

Rebecca Agius

04:54 23 Jun 23

From the get-go I've found the staff at Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic to be really understanding and... professional. I flew from Rockhampton in search of answers after nine years of intensive tension headaches, Migraine, and nausea that have been ruling my life. After both a Neurologist and Neurosurgeon reached the end of their skill-sets and gave up on me in the past year I googled and found Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic and decided to give them a go. Piumi was very professional and compassionate for what I've been going through and she believed me when I told her that I think it's all coming from my neck. She was able to very gently recreate the pain to determine that she had found the source of the headaches. She performed a treatment on me in that first appointment and for the first time in nearly a decade, I was headache free for weeks on end, with the occasional day here and there that I needed pain relief in the weeks after that. Since there are no practitioners of the technique needed to treat my neck in my hometown, Piumi has been willing to work closely with a Physio closer to my home in between times when I can make it to Brisbane for treatment with her, for which I am truly grateful! It's no exaggeration to say that meeting Piumi and the team at Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic has changed my life infinitely for the better. Thank you so much for everything! Beck Agiusread more

Niecky

10:36 21 Jun 23

Highly recommend! I have been seeing Piumi to work on the headaches I've been dealing with for a while and she is an... amazing and caring practitioner! It improved within the first few sessions which has helped a lot! It was good to hear the details about what's been causing my headaches and getting the proper treatment and advice.read more

Shalyn Rye

06:15 20 Jun 23

Could not recommend this clinic or Dr. Piumi enough. For the last few years (about 4) I have suffered from painful,... chronic tension headaches & migraines affecting my vision, causing nausea and if you suffer from them you know how much they take away from your life. I have cried tears of happiness with the appreciation I have for Dr. Piumi & how she has helped me gain my life back after only 4-5 appointments! I now only have one headache maybe once a week or two that quickly finish. Which in comparison to previously, mine would last for hours, days, sometimes even a week. I could even go to sleep & wake up with the same one no matter what I tried. I exhausted all my options before coming here & I wish I went sooner! You will not regret coming here. They will change your life.read more

Mike Rowland

05:18 15 Jun 23

Migraine suffer since I can remember, haven't had results like I have here. Mattias McAndrew out of Spring Hill has... explained things much clearer than others in the past, and the treatments make total sense and have worked fantastically so far. Massive recommend.read more

Rodney Wallis

22:19 08 Jun 23

Absolutely astounded with the results of Piumi Herath treatment. I was having migraines on an average of one every... month for about . 20 years. Piumis manipulation treatment really produced the positive results I was looking for. No pharmacy drug has ever matched Piumi's treatment. My last migraine was in mid January. It is now mid June. On a lighter note, I have nicknamed Piumi, ASPRO.Thanks ASPRO for a job well done and relieved me of the debilitating effects of crippling migraines.read more

Candice Delofski

10:07 04 Jun 23

Working with Piumi these last few months has been amazing.I have suffered with Migraines and incapacitating headaches... for the last 10+ years. I had started to believe that I would never work a normal week.Through weekly, then fortnightly appointments she has assisted me with learning stretches, desensitisation and minor adjustments.It’s this combo that has taken my migraines from daily, to weekly.It’s been a change that has allowed me to be consistent with my work, and to become more involved in my family.If you are interested in a non- drug relief option, I highly suggest giving this clinic a try!read more

Lisa Bird

01:31 30 May 23

I have Occipital Neuralgia ( chronic pain and headaches daily). It is a very difficult condition to treat and after... multiple treatments, procedures and seeing many physiotherapists, I have finally found a clinic that has given me some relief. Some relief is huge to me. I felt an instant feeling of being in good hands following my first appointment. I saw Mattais, he was thorough, professional, knowledgeable and best of all empathetic. He was also the first professional to explain to me why i have facial pain and how to manage my tense painful jaw.I travel about 4 hrs in total to see him so he must be good. The receptionists are lovely and you are made to feel very welcome at the clinic, it's a great team environment and i am very appreciative of all their help.read more

Heather Dale

09:10 24 Apr 23

From my first viewing of the BHMC website to my rehabilitation stage, I have been so impressed! With my background as a... Physiotherapist, I knew what I was looking for but my treatment has surpassed expectations. My goal to become migraine free now seems possible. I have been a compliant patient during my treatment program in order to maximize the outcome. From the friendly, competent administration staff using efficient systems to the amazing knowledge & skills of Mattias, this Clinic provides an essential service to migraine sufferers. I highly recommend it!read more

Christine Cansfield-Smith

02:54 30 Mar 23

I was very impressed with the professionalism of the BHMC. Prior to my visit (and we travelled from Victoria for the... treatment) the staff were helpful and friendly. We recommend the Clinic just for the high level of customer service...even before the treatment! Piumi Herath was wonderful and very efficient. She was a delight to see each visit. I was only able to have 6 treatments over two weeks but I feel so much better already. I do believe that my migraines and headaches are on the way to being cured permanently. Thank you so much to all at BHMC!read more

Chloe White

21:37 24 Feb 23

My life has turned around since I started to see Ariel. She was quick to located the root of my discomfort and told me... exactly how she could fix it. Flash forward 8 months and I only have to go in for maintenance appointments and have no migraines anymore. I can’t recommend her and the team at Brisbane Migraine Clinics enoughread more

Jenny

21:43 02 Feb 23

Weekly debilitating migraines were starting to really affect my quality of life. After the very first treatment with... Ariel I felt relief and have continued to improve. Would highly recommend her as a caring, understanding and very experienced practitioner and cannot thank her enough for discovering the cause of my migraines. So grateful for the support of Ariel.read more

Joh Embrey

04:55 27 Jan 23

Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic has been an absolute life saver for me. When I came in I was suffering from... frequent and debilitating headaches and migraines. The staff are very friendly here and Mattias the head practitioner is very good at what he does. I am now about 3 weeks headache free when previously they were daily. Highly recommend to anyone suffering from headaches. I’d also recommend the pillow as this has helped dramatically. I found it very uncomfortable at first, but now I can’t sleep without and I don’t wake up with a headache or stiff neck anymore.read more

Vicky Bautista

11:16 20 Dec 22

I've been suffering from chronic headaches for a long time. Then we found this clinic and met Douglas. Usually my... headaches last a week, but when I started my treatments with Douglas my headaches have improved. He found what was causing my headaches and worked towards fixing it the root. I really recommend Douglas and their clinic!read more

susan grech

00:07 03 Nov 22

Really happy to recommend the Clinic and Piumi to anyone who is experiencing migraines. My condition has really... improved in the 6 weeks I have been attending the Clinic, and Piumi is a very knowledgeable and caring practitioner.read more

Tiffany Morris

04:49 27 Oct 22

After suffering monthly (sometimes more often) migraines for 15+ years that would keep me from school/work, I saw a... billboard and decided to try Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic.After seeing Ariel for my initial round of treatment and continue to attend once every 4/5 months, I have had 1 migraine in that time (right at the start of the treatment).Ariel is amazing and recommend her and the Brisbane Migraine Clinic very highly!read more

Hyatt Narsh

03:18 20 Oct 22

Ariel has done wonders for my migraines and I can’t be more happy with the results! So professional and welcoming.... Recommend their services and Ariel to everyone!read more

Cheryl-lee Morgan

09:33 15 Oct 22

My son was suffering badly with severe migraines causing nausea, vomiting and excessive pain multiple times a week. ... From the very first session he began to notice some relief. After a month of treatment he has been and remains now 4 months down the track migraine free. Can not recommend Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic and Douglas Woo enough to anyone seeking help for a long term medication free solution! Absolutely fantastic!read more

Amy Wallace

09:37 01 Oct 22

I have had migraines for more than 10 years. Since going to the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic, my migraines... have reduced in frequency, duration, and intensity. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. In addition to their treatment, they are also able to give you tools to help manage your migraines between appointments.read more

J.A. Montgomery

09:33 01 Oct 22

David Appleby has a caring, gentle manner yet is knowledgeable, competent and open minded. He has a wholistic approach... in that he looks at your whole life and habits – stress, sleeping habits and position, posture, fitness, everything and I think having this multi-pronged approach to tackle serious issues like migraines and vertigo is crucial. There seems to be a lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding the whole vertigo/migraine biso. I don’t get full-blown debilitating headaches but have had the weird zigzaggy visual aura that often goes hand in hand with migraines. And I have experienced the frightening vertigo that really stopped me in my tracks. I learned from David how important one’s neck and brainstem are and several bad habits (hunching over computer, phone, and while reading) over many years can trigger or exacerbate serious issues like vertigo. He helped me to change several of my bad habits and to protect my neck at all times with a simple exercise that I now do faithfully. The first time I had a full-blown bout of vertigo I was so scared and worried it might be something I’d have to live with and part of getting old, and now I have my mojo back and know I can stay on top of my balance and health by ensuring I continue with a few basic things that David taught me. I am starting a new chapter in my life now that I am retired and I still have a lot of living to do so I am thrilled to be feeling confident that I will be able to travel, cycle, kayak, ski, dance, play pickleball, try jiujitsu and anything else that takes my fancy. Instead of slowing down and having my world become smaller and allowing fear to stop me, I know now there is a lot I can do to control and steer my own future. Thank you, David, for helping me to work out what I need to do! Every client reading this … listen to David, do your homework religiously, and be confident you can get your life back again.read more

Lori Cousland

05:48 29 Sep 22

David is extremely professional, knowledgeable, and approachable.I had been suffering with shoulder, neck, skull,... head pain, and headaches constantly for years.Eventually I ended up in an emergency ward with vomiting, unable to communicate and walk and no vision. I spent the night in hospital with a tick from the Drs that I had suffered a migraine and good luck in the future.Pain medication hadn’t worked for years. I was exhausted physically and mentally from the daily battle of pain.Within a couple of visits of seeing David my brain-fog and daily pain dramatically decreased whilst my memory, speech, and general daily tasks and mood improved.I’ve tried many other therapies over many years.This is, by far, the only one that has worked for me.I can not recommend David any more highly.On top of that he’s just an all round nice guy.Thank you for giving me my life back.read more

Jann Osborne

03:25 25 Sep 22

After years of trying chiropractors, acupuncture and normal physio to get rid of my headaches and fatigue, I was... finally recommended to the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic. I have been seeing Matthias at Spring Hill who has done marvels! I am off the heavy medications, my fatigue has gone and any headaches are manageable and the number significantly reduced. I would highly recommend the team at BHMC.read more

amandeep Kaur

01:10 21 Sep 22

Before I started going to this migraine clinic , I had a incredibly painful migraine. I tried so many medicines but... nothing helped . One day , I saw this migraine clinic and then I started going to there to get a treatment from Dr Douglas Woo. After some time of treatment , my migraine is reduced by a lot. I have gotten the best results from this clinic.read more

Phoebe Worth

11:55 07 Sep 22

So glad I found this clinic - since I started seeing Mattias a couple of months ago my headaches have noticeably... reduced in both frequency and severity. Definitely recommend giving it a goread more

Travis Brousseau

09:34 05 Sep 22

I can honestly say Mattias and the Team were great to deal with and really helped reduced the frequency and intensity... of my headaches. It was refreshing to deal with a clinic that specialises in this condition opposed to doing many other concentrations. Highly recommended.read more

Katja Charters

08:01 30 Aug 22

Effective, personalised and caring treatment. Recommended.

Katja Charters

07:59 30 Aug 22

Efficient, personalised and caring service!

jessica torrens

07:34 04 Aug 22

Been seeing David for the past 4 months, going from frequent migraines and constant headaches to absolutely nothing... anymore. Highly recommend !read more

Abbi Deane

05:10 28 Jul 22

Mattias has done wonders! After countless specialist appointments and no luck I came to see Mattias. I was having daily... migraines and headaches. He did an examination of my neck and then gave me an outline on how the treatments will progress and started treatment right away. I now have less headaches and migraines and I am so relieved to have found a personable and reliable clinician to help me. I couldn’t recommend Brisbane Headache and Migraine clinic enough.read more

Anna Ilic

07:17 27 Jul 22

I’m very happy with the treatment I have received from Ariel and the team at Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic.... Pain free and feeling good!👍read more

Nevski_1

08:56 26 Jul 22

Suffering from tension headaches for quite a few years now, after coming here and getting the treatment i need with... helpful advice and exercise i have noticed a massive difference thanks too Ariel.Super friendly and helpfulThanks heaps.read more

George Kambanis

04:02 26 Jul 22

I was a daily headache sufferer for many years. But not anymore. I had tried everything but without success. I've been... seeing David now for a few months and he has managed to eliminate my daily headaches altogether. He has been fantastic to deal with and I highly recommend his services.read more

Michael Senior

04:21 29 Jun 22

I am very satisfied with the help I have received from Matthias at the Brisbane Migrane and Headache Clinic. I suffered... from constant headaches for a number of months and exhausted many avenues to try and stop the headaches. I was at the point of desperation and stumbled upon the clinic by accident. From the first appt I noticed a big improvement. I am now headache free after four weeks of treatment and couldn’t be happier. I am now in a maintenance phase and continue to be headache free and very happy. I would unreservedly recommend Matthias and the Brisbane Headache and Migrane Clinic to anyone who suffers from constant headaches and particularly if you can’t find any relief or a solution.read more

Oliver Sio

02:34 28 Jun 22

D Varlec - Sirman

05:21 21 Jun 22

Seeing Ariel the last couple of month has truly transformed my life. From regular migranes and a headache every two... days, to one headache in 4 months. She is kind, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Could not recommend her more.read more

Shallu Singh

05:16 21 Jun 22

andrew jones

11:46 13 Jun 22

After 20 years of suffering from cluster headaches, I finally have my life back. Thanks a lot David. I thoroughly... recommend BHMC. Very professional.read more

andrew jones

11:34 13 Jun 22

Fioppe

08:23 06 Jun 22

My son was experiencing regular headaches/migraines. Piumi at the Brisbane and migraine clinic has been great. She... diagnosed the issue and the treatment has worked. He hasn't had a migraine for months now. Thanks Piumi 🙂read more

grace moore

09:06 02 Jun 22

David has been incredibly helpful and made a huge difference with my neck and migraine issues. Definitely recommend!

Damian Baker

03:54 01 Jun 22

My dad has suffered from trigeminal neuralgia which they also call suicide sickness because the pain is so bad it's... like being electrocuted in the face continuously. He's been to so many different doctors and specialist but nothing could fix it.We found this place online and after the first treatment he was about 80% better. We have now had 4 and he's a totally different person. The results have been amazing.read more

Samantha Higgs

07:47 27 May 22

Samantha Higgs

07:46 27 May 22

Anne Down

03:42 27 May 22

Brisbane Headache & Migraine Clinic - David has been able to identify a cause of severe migraines that had become so... debilitsting that I had resigned from jobs because of the side effects.The uncomplicated and commonsense approach is so refreshing.read more

Christopher

02:41 25 May 22

Amazing service. Since attending I haven’t had a headache in 2 months. Would recommend to everyone. Darcy is a... magician. Cheersread more

Michael McAdoo

10:09 17 May 22

I cannot thank Mattias at Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic highly enough. As a long-term Migraine and Vertigo... sufferer the improvement I have seen since commencing treatment has been incredible. I highly recommend this clinic and encourage anyone with Migraine issues to give them a call.read more

Sophie

03:10 12 May 22

Ariel Lee has been absolutely amazing to work with and is a great person to be around. I would recommend her to anyone... who has an issue with their headaches/migraines in a heartbeat.read more

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Sinus Headache Treatment

Sinus Headache Symptoms

What Causes a Sinus Headache?

What To Expect During The Assessment

Sinus Headaches Prevention

Exercising

Avoiding Triggers

Reducing stress

Sinus Headache Treatment

Book in your initial appointment to see an expert today