duchess7111 asked:
I think I may have a sinus infection but i’m not sure. I have pressure in my forehead and across my nose, in my cheeks. However, I also have a sharp pain above/behind my right ear and into the base of my head. Could this be caused by sinus problems too? What type of pain can sinus problems be responsible for? Maybe this pain is something else?
Sinus Pressure
I think I may have a sinus infection but i’m not sure. I have pressure in my forehead and across my nose, in my cheeks. However, I also have a sharp pain above/behind my right ear and into the base of my head. Could this be caused by sinus problems too? What type of pain can sinus problems be responsible for? Maybe this pain is something else?
Sinus Pressure
November 19th, 2009 at 5:17 am
Sinus Pressure
Sinus infections normally cause pain in the forehead, around the temples, under the eyes, and near the bridge of the nose. Take 2 fingers, place them on the inside of your eyebrows and push up. If the pain is relieved somewhat this usually means it is a sinus problem. This is because sinus pain results from your sinus’s becoming full, thus putting pressure against their surroundings.
The base of the head is not usually a normal place to have pain from a sinus. The 4 sinus’ are located in the front of your head ( I happen to missing two, actually. Fun fact!)
If the pain in your right ear is not constant it could be an ear infection. Ear infection pain comes in sharp blasts at first, rather than a constant ache. Often the pain will spread down twords the neck. The fact that this is happening in only one ear suggests an infection. Often sinus problems and ear infections go hand in hand.
I would go to the doctor rather than waiting to find out for yourself. After all, I lost 75% of my hearing for a while due to an ear infection. Catch it before it becomes worse.
Edit: I am fully aware that sinus’ are withen the bone. And actually, pressing can help the pain. It does not actually do anything to the sinus’ but can help the feeling of pressure above the eyes.
November 19th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Sinus Pressure
Am a bit disappointed in some of the answers appearing here. The sinuses are within the bone. Spaces. External manipulation does not go through bone.
What you outline here is a fairly common distress and is too often misdiagnosed as a sinus problem.. Yet does not respond to sinus treatments.
You have outlined the course of the facial nerve. You can verify this feature simply by finding the notch in the eyebrow and pressing on it. There is another notch on the inner aspect of the prominence of the cheek bone. If you check each area you will find it corresponds with the pain above the ear. Can next check at the base of the skull and will find the same degree of tenderness when applying pressure to that area.
We have now outlined at least 2 of the cranial nerves being inflamed. There is little doubt that other of the cranial nerves are also being effected by this inflammatory process. The facial nerve exits through those notches, as outlined above. The nerve above the ear is the auricular nerve. It can create a very hot pain when you move a certain way and touch it with that motion.
It appears you have the problem primarily of the right side. Which indicates you have a a pretty evident postural discrepancy. That soreness at the base of the skull indicates where the muscles attach to the skull and are under constant tension, just to keep your head pulled toward the center or, maintain the head above the feet. You will notice a balance problem just by putting your feet together and then closing your eyes. Presently you keep your balance by keeping the feet pretty well separated. You also may be aware of being more comfortable by standing on one leg rather than the other. All indicating a postural discrepancy.
Would suggest a visit to see a doctor of Chiropractic and see if this can be easily corrected. It will continue to progress if not treated appropriately.