How to Relieve Sinus Pressure in the Back of Your Head

Pain in the back of your head due to sinus pressure is uncomfortable, and it can cause headaches. Fortunately, there are a lot of different ways you can relieve sinus pressure in the back of your head and start feeling better. You can take over-the-counter medications to loosen mucus and relieve sinus pressure. There are also several home remedies you can try to help relieve sinus pressure, such as inhaling steam, using a neti pot, or giving yourself a sinus massage. If your condition does not improve, see a doctor for evaluation and treatment.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using OTC Medications for Sinus Pressure

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    Use the spray in both nostrils every 2-3 hours. This will loosen the mucus in your sinuses and relieve pressure. Shake the medication and insert the tip into your right nostril. Cover the left nostril with your fingertip. Breathe through your mouth, and spray the saline into your nostril. Breathe in through your nose again. Repeat for the other side. [1]
    • You can purchase saline nasal spray in a drug store.
    • Read the manufacturer's instructions for dosing instructions and other recommendations.
    • Use your nasal spray in the morning and just before bed.
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    You can also purchase an over-the-counter nasal spray that contains a corticosteroid medication. This will help to reduce swelling and inflammation in your sinuses. If you do not experience relief from a non-medicated saline spray, then try a medicated nasal spray. Use the medication for 1-2 weeks before deciding if it's effective, as it takes a week or 2 for the medicine to start working.
    • For instance, you can find Flonase and Nasacort over-the-counter. Both contain corticosteroids to help relieve your sinus pressure.
    • Use the medicated spray in the same way as the non-medicated kind, but make sure to check the manufacturer's dosing instructions.

    Tip : Avoid sneezing or blowing your nose immediately after using a nasal spray to ensure that the solution stays in your sinuses. [2]

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    Blocked sinuses can cause discomfort and pain in your head, so you might also want to take an over-the-counter pain killer. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin are all good options, but go with the pain killer that usually works best for you. [3]
    • For a severe headache, you might go with an extra strength version of one of these medications.
    • You can find several over-the-counter sinus pressure relief medications that contain both acetaminophen and a decongestant. These medications are a great option for relieving your pain while also improving your breathing. [4]
    • Never give aspirin to children under the age of 18 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
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    Over-the-counter-decongestant medications may also be helpful for relieving your sinus pressure. They come in both oral and nasal formulas, so choose what works best for you. Take a single or multi-symptom medication depending on your condition. [5]
    • Don't take your decongestant for longer than 3-5 days, unless your doctor instructs you to do so. Using a decongestant for too long can cause rebound congestion, which means your symptoms may come back worse than before.
    • For example, if you are also battling itchy eyes, then you might take something that also contains an antihistamine.
    • If you have a headache, take a decongestant that contains a pain relieving medication.
    • Some medications, like Mucinex D, both relieve mucus and act as a decongestant.
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    You can buy an over-the-counter expectorant, such as guaifenesin (Mucinex), which also comes in generic. Take 1200 mg of guaifenesin every day to relieve nasal congestion, as well as sinus pressure and pain.
    • Talk to your doctor before taking guaifenesin. Additionally, ask them how long it's safe to use this medication.
    • Always read and follow the instructions on your medication.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using Home Remedies for Sinus Pressure

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    Blow your nose often to clear out the mucus. If you are experiencing sinus pressure, then it is likely that you have a lot of mucus that will need to leave your body. Try to blow your nose any time you feel the need to help clear it out. You should also blow your nose after using a home remedy meant to help release the mucus, such as steam, a neti pot, or sinus massage. [6]
    • Use a clean tissue every time you blow your nose.
    • Throw away the used tissues to avoid spreading germs to other members of your household.
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    Inhaling steam can be an effective way to loosen mucus in your sinuses and relieve the pressure in your head. Try setting up a humidifier in your bedroom or take a hot shower or bath and inhale the steam as you do so. Even sitting in the bathroom with the door closed and the shower running on hot will provide enough steam for you to inhale. [7]
    • If you don't have time to take a shower, then fill your bathroom sink with hot water and hold your head over it as you inhale the steam. Drape a towel over your head to keep the steam inside the towel.
    • Add a few drops of an essential oil to the water for extra benefits. Try menthol or peppermint for a refreshing scent that may also help to open up your sinuses more.
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    Hold a washcloth under hot running water for a minute and then wring it out. Then, lean back in a recliner or on a bed or sofa propped up with some pillows. Place the washcloth over your eyes, nose, and cheeks. The heat will help to loosen mucus in your sinuses and relieve the pressure in your head.
    • You may also experience some pain relief from holding the washcloth over your face.

    Tip : Another way to benefit from the warm, moist heat is to take a warm shower and let the water run over your head and down your face for a few minutes.

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    Try using a neti pot to flush out your sinuses. Neti pots are small, teapot-like vessels that are used to flush out your sinuses. Fill a clean neti pot with room temperature saline solution and then press the tip of the neti pot to your right nostril while standing next to a sink. Lean forward slightly and turn your head to the right so that your left ear is facing the sink. Allow the water to flow into your nostril and out the other side.
    • Make sure to breathe through your mouth as you do this.
    • Repeat for the other side after you pour about half the solution into the first nostril.
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    Massage your sinuses to help relieve pressure. A sinus massage can help to encourage the flow of mucus out of your sinuses and this may help to relieve the pressure in your head. Start by pressing your fingertips against your cheeks right beside your nostrils. Apply gentle pressure to your cheeks and slowly stroke downwards. As you continue, move out towards your cheekbones and keep stroking down as you do so. [8]
    • Repeat as needed to help move mucus out of your sinuses.
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    Horseradish has a very strong taste, which makes your sinuses feel like they're burning. However, it triggers the mucus in your nasal passages to drain, clearing your sinuses. [9]
    • This remedy doesn't work for everyone, and you may find the taste and sensation of the horseradish is too unpleasant for you.
    • Don't eat too much horseradish at one time, as it can feel like it's burning. Try a little bit at a time to see how much works for you.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Making Lifestyle Changes to Relieve Sinus Pressure

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    Dehydration can cause mucus to become thicker and this makes it harder to move out of your sinuses. Drink 8 cups or more of water daily to maintain adequate hydration. [10]
    • Warm liquids, such as tea, coffee, and broth, may be especially helpful for loosening the mucus in your sinuses.
    • Increase your daily fluid intake if you are doing lots of physical activity or sweating.
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    Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it will help relieve some of your sinus pressure. Additionally, it supports your immune system. Steep your ginger tea for about 3 minutes, then sip it while it's warm.
    • You can take ginger supplements if your doctor recommends it. However, these aren't right for everyone, as they interfere with certain medications, like blood thinners.

    Variation: For added benefits, sweeten your ginger tea with raw honey, which also soothes your throat. Additionally, raw honey may help improve your sinus symptoms.

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    These foods all help reduce congestion naturally by thinning out your mucus and reducing inflammation. Add them to your dishes alone or all together as a natural option for relieving your congestion.
    • It may take longer to see relief from dietary changes, but it can help your recovery.
    • If your doctor recommends it, you can try taking supplements instead. However, they won't be as effective as eating the foods.
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    Soup is beneficial because it helps hydrate your body, plus the broth is very soothing to your sinuses. Additionally, both broth and veggies contain nutrients that will help support your immune system so you'll recover faster.
    • Bone broth is the best type of broth to eat when you're ill. However, any broth is better than no broth.
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    Sleep for at least 8 hours per night. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night will give your body a chance to repair and restore itself, which can help to speed healing from a sinus infection. You will also likely feel better overall if you get enough sleep each night, so this alone might help to improve the feeling of pressure in your head. [11]
    • You may find it easier to sleep with your upper body and head propped up on 2 to 3 pillows. This will allow the mucus to drain out of your sinuses as you sleep.
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    Look for individual supplements or combined multivitamins. For instance, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin B6 are all essential nutrients for supporting a healthy immune system. [12] Additionally, use vitamin D to support your immune system and help your body fight respiratory infections. For added protection, take the antioxidant quercetin to reduce inflammation in your body and help support your immunity.
    • Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you're already taking medication. Supplements aren't right for everyone.
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    Smoke, chemicals, dust, and other irritants can make your sinuses feel worse and intensify the pressure in your head. Avoid smokers and do not allow people to smoke in your home. Don't use any harsh chemicals, such as bleach, ammonia, or pesticides. Vacuum and dust regularly to avoid a buildup of dust in your home. [13]
    • You might also consider getting tested for allergies if you suspect an environmental irritant is to blame for your sinusitis.

    Tip : If you are a smoker, do not smoke while you are sick! You might even consider using your illness and recovery period as an opportunity to quit smoking .

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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Seeking Medical Attention

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    If your pain continues for more than 10 days, if you have had to miss school or work, or if over-the-counter medicine does not help, then call your doctor to set up an appointment. They can do a physical examination and run tests to rule out other possible causes of pain. Other reasons to see a doctor include: [14]
    • Yellow or greenish mucus, especially with sinus pain
    • A high fever (over 100.4 °F (38.0 °C))
    • Blood in nasal discharge or a continuing clear discharge after getting a head injury
    • Symptoms are in a baby younger than 2 months with a fever (over 100.4 °F (38.0 °C))
    • The child cannot nurse properly due to difficulty breathing through their nose [15]
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    People sometimes confuse sinus and arthritis headaches since they may affect similar locations in your head. However, if you have arthritis, pain and pressure in the back of your head could be due to an arthritis headache. An arthritis headache will worsen when you move and you may also feel the pain in your neck. Note how you feel when you move your head and neck. If the pain feels more severe while you are moving, then it might be an arthritis headache. [16]
    • Treatment for arthritis headaches usually includes anti-inflammatory medication. See a doctor if you suspect that you are having arthritis headaches.
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    Hypertension (high blood pressure) headaches also affect the top and back of the head, so they may be mistaken for sinus issues. Note how you feel upon waking and how your head feels as the day wears on. If you are having pain and pressure due to hypertension, then you may notice that you feel worst first thing in the morning and that you feel better later in the day.
    • Hypertension can lead to serious health issues, such as stroke, aneurysm, heart attack, and cognitive impairment, so see your doctor as soon as possible to work on lowering your blood pressure [17] .

    Tip : Your doctor may recommend medication to control your blood pressure and they may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as a low-sodium diet, weight loss , and stress relief techniques.

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Clear Your Sinuses With This Expert Series

Clearing your sinuses can sometimes feel impossible, especially if you have an infection. Use these expert articles to unclog your sinuses and finally get some relief.
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Clear a Sinus Infection

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  • Question
    How can I get rid of chronic sinusitis?
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Answer
    First, see your doctor to find out what's causing your chronic symptoms. It's possible that you have environmental allergies, food allergies, a nutritional deficiency, digestive issues, overuse of antibiotics, or stress that's causing your frequent infections. Additionally, you can seek care from a holistic or functional medicine provider to learn the best ways to treat your underlying causes.
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      Tips

      • Most colds and sinus congestion will clear up on their own within 2 weeks, but if your symptoms last longer than this or bother you, call a doctor and make an appointment.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/1215/p2695.html
      2. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/1215/p2695.html
      3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9641-sinus-headaches
      4. ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/d03289a1
      5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9641-sinus-headaches
      6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nasal-congestion/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050644
      7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9641-sinus-headaches
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3g2LtlLawc&feature=youtu.be&t=27
      9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16618018
      1. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/
      2. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/
      3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-vitamins-best-boosting-immunity/
      4. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/
      5. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/sinus-infection.html
      6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nasal-congestion/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050644
      7. ↑ https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/can-osteoarthritis-be-causing-my-headaches
      8. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/high-blood-pressure-headache/

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