Headache above nose between eyes: What to Know

Picture it: You’re traveling somewhere new you’ve never been before. You’re excited to get there and explore a new part of the world! The vacation starts great - then 2 days in it hits: the dreaded headache above the nose between your eyes. You thought allergy season was over! Oh no, is it a migraine? Read on to learn more, including treatment options right here in Greenville, South Carolina.

What causes a headache above the nose and between the eyes?

There are two common causes of a headache above the nose and between the eyes: Sinusitis (aka sinus headache) or a migraine.

Sinusitis/Sinus headaches present due to infection or inflammation of the sinus cavities in your head. Sinus cavities are air filled areas of the face that help to filter and humidify air before it enters your lungs. With a cold or allergies that may be caused by close proximity to others who are sick (think: airplanes) or traveling to a new area with allergens your body isn’t used to, thick mucus may form in these cavities. This immune response may result in:

• A feeling of heaviness in your head, especially upon bending over

• Yellow or thick drainage

• Fever, fatigue, or bad breath

Migraine headaches are often confused for sinusitis. They can cause tension throughout the face, and even stimulate an immune response leading to a runny nose - which can make it difficult to know the difference between sinusitis or a migraine. Migraines are usually more characterized by:

• clear and runny discharge from the nose

• pain on one side of the head (although it can be both!)

• may be accompanied by an aura or light haze to your vision, nausea, or sensitivity to light, touch, sound, or smell

How do I treat my symptoms?

If you’re fairly certain what you’re experiencing is a Sinus Headache, you can try the following:

• Apply a warm compress

• Consider saline nose spray

• Upon recommendation of a doctor, oral decongestant medications may be indicated

If you think you’re experiencing a migraine, make a visit with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Until then, you may:

• Consider an over the counter migraine medication. Ask your pharmacist for their recommendation.

• Find a dark, quiet room to rest in

• Drink plenty of water

Long Term Relief

For longer term relief, you may consider a head and neck stretching routine, physical therapy, or craniosacral therapy right here in Greenville, South Carolina!

Sinusitis

Craniosacral therapy works with the structures in the head, mouth, neck, and occasionally in the sacrum to create a sensation of space between the bones in the head. By working with crucial structures connected with sinus cavities, such as the frontal bone, ethmoid bone, maxillary bone, and sphenoid, we can help create space to relieve the feeling of pressure associated with sinusitis. This can be especially useful in areas of the country with high pollen counts. (Hi, Greenville, South Carolina - one of our claims to fame is being in the top 10 environmental allergen spots in the country!)

For relief, book a consultation call with me here:

Migraines

Craniosacral therapy can assist with re-programming the threat response in your brain that may be triggering a migraine by means of stress relief. It also works with the structures around the head and neck to reduce fascial tension that may be triggering migraine symptoms. Many clients have expressed that with regular craniosacral sessions, the time between each migraine increases - meaning less frequent disruptions to their lives! While I love all of my clients, I lowkey love my migraine clients’ results the most because of how successful the treatment usually is!

For relief, book a consultation call with me here:

You can also contact me via email at Rootsunboundbodyworks@gmail.com - it would be an honor to walk this path with you!

Sending love,

Joanna

Your Next Read:

What’s the Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine?