Is There a Connection Between Sinus Health and Neck Pain?

Sinuses are air-filled structures in your head that serve many purposes. They create a mucus that moisturizes the inside of your nose. Additionally, sinuses affect the way your voice sounds and act as a cushion to help protect your brain and eyes.

Your nose and sinuses together help control the amount of nitric oxide in your body and lungs and contribute to your immune health.

A sinus infection happens when thereâ€™s swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. This inflammation can block the sinuses, causing them to fill with fluid instead of air.

While itâ€™s not a common symptom, some people with sinus infections report experiencing neck pain or a stiff neck.

Read on to learn more about the possible link between your sinuses and neck pain.

Can sinus infections cause neck pain and stiffness?

In some cases, a sinus infection can cause neck pain and stiffness.

You have four main types of sinuses:

Maxillary: located in each cheek
Ethmoid: located on each side of the nose, between your eyes
Frontal: located on each side of your forehead
Sphenoid: located deeper in your skull, behind the eyes

The sphenoid sinuses, specifically, are known to cause neck pain if they become infected. A sphenoid sinus infection can also cause ear pain and headaches.

These sphenoid sinuses are less frequently infected than other types.

Some anecdotal reports suggest that neck pain due to a sinus infection may feel like stiff or sore muscles. It might also be a type of pain that shoots down into your neck.

In addition to neck pain, other symptoms of a sinus infection include:

facial pressure
headache
postnasal drip
nasal discharge
cough
tiredness
fever
bad breath
pain in your teeth or ears

Can a sinus headache cause neck pain?

In fact, nearly 84 percent reported neck pain associated with headaches and about 68 percent reported neck pain that spread to the head. Another 74.8 percent had headaches worsen with neck movements or posture.

Other sinus conditions and neck pain

Anecdotally, some people with seasonal allergies also report having neck pain. This could be due to tight or tense muscles that result when you sneeze or cough.

Another possible explanation is that the congestion in your sphenoid sinuses causes pressure in the back of your head and neck.

The common cold or flu are other illnesses that may occur with neck pain.

Sinus-caused neck pain relief

If you have a sinus infection and neck pain, the right treatments, or combination of therapies, can help you feel better.

You may need to treat one or both issues to find relief. Some of these treatments may relieve neck pain even if itâ€™s not related to the sinus.

Medical treatment for sinus infection

Treatments for sinus infections may include:

antibiotics
decongestants
allergy medications
nasal steroid sprays
sinus irrigation

In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct structural problems in the sinuses or drain the sinuses.

Medical treatment for neck pain

Some medical treatments for neck pain include:

pain medications
muscle relaxants
tricyclic antidepressants
steroid injections
physical therapy, including massage
surgery
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) using electrical impulses to relieve pain
Botox injections

Home remedies for sinus infections

Sometimes, home remedies can help you feel better. Here are some options to relieve sinus infection symptoms:

nasal saline irrigation
warm or cold compresses placed on the nose and forehead
breathing in steam from hot water
drinking extra fluids to promote drainage
using a humidifier to ease congestion

Home remedies for neck pain

You may want to try an alternative treatment, such as:

massage
acupuncture and dry needling
chiropractic care

Additionally, these home remedies may help provide relief:

apply heat or ice packs
gentle neck stretches
meditation or yoga
cervical traction device

When to see a doctor

Sinus infections and neck pain are both common conditions. Sinus infections impact about 31 million people in the United States. About 80 percent of people will experience neck pain at some point in their lives.

Because these conditions are so common, it may be difficult to know when to see a doctor for your discomfort.

When to see a doctor for sinus infection

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should see a doctor if you have a sinus infection with:

changes in vision or difficulty with eye movement (especially in a child)
severe symptoms, such as an intense headache or facial pain
worsening symptoms after you initially felt better
symptoms that last longer than 10 days and havenâ€™t improved
fever that lasts longer than 3 to 4 days

Additionally, you should see a medical professional if youâ€™ve had several sinus infections in the past year.

When to see a doctor for neck pain

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, you should seek medical care if your neck pain is:

continuous
severe
accompanied by pain that radiates down your legs or arms
accompanied by headaches, tingling, numbness, or weakness

In general, itâ€™s a good idea to see a doctor if youâ€™re worried about your neck pain, or if the pain is affecting your quality of life.

Takeaway

Sinus infections happen when thereâ€™s inflammation in your sinus cavities. They can cause many symptoms, including neck pain.

While neck pain isnâ€™t a hallmark sign of a sinus infection, itâ€™s a symptom to be aware of. If you develop a sinus infection with neck pain thatâ€™s severe or doesnâ€™t go away, you should see a doctor. There are many treatments that can help relieve your discomfort.

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