Have you participated in a chronic pain "boot camp?"
These intensive, weeks-long programs - offered by the Mayo Clinic and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, among others - are gaining in popularity and we want to hear from anyone who's attended one. What was your experience like? Would you recommend it to others? What was the most valuable part? The least valuable? Have you had lasting benefits? Let us know! Contact us with your story today.
TIME POSTED: 06/24/09 12:40 PM [Mountain Time]
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The Link Between Headaches and Sinus Conditions
Many people don’t realize that acute or chronic sinusitis, as well as sinus infections, can cause headaches or trigger pre-existing headache conditions, such as migraines. Indeed, sinus headache may well be the most misdiagnosed headache disorder. Some 80% to 90% of people who believe they have sinus headaches actually suffer from a form of migraine instead. The reason for this confusion has to do with the feeling of pressure around the sinuses, which also can occur during a migraine or other headache attack. Furthermore, certain sinus medications contain pain-relieving ingredients that can ease headache symptoms, further convincing a person that he or she suffers from sinus headaches.

You may have a sinus headache if you have the following symptoms. (Chances are you will not experience all, or even most, sinus headache characteristics.)

• Dull or aching pain generally located in the front of the face and forehead.
• Pain ranges from mild to severe.
• Pain relief typically occurs when fluids are drained from the sinus cavity.

A thorough medical examination is needed to make sure you are, indeed, suffering from a sinus infection-related headache. Headaches caused by acute sinusitis typically are relieved when the sinus infections are cleared up using oral antibiotics. Chronic or recurring sinus infections may require intravenous antibiotics or surgically draining the sinus cavity, which in turn should relieve your headache.

Learn more about sinus headaches and migraine in our diseases and conditions area.
TIME POSTED: 06/09/09 03:05 PM [Mountain Time]
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