Question
Hello - around 7 years ago, I was in an automobile accident and suffered whiplash. I have to go to a chiropractor once or twice a month - depending on the pain, which at some times is unbearable. The past few times I've gone to my doctor, which I think does a wonderful job, he does this thing where he "works my sinuses" - I end up with a sinus infection every time. I went this past week and since then I've had a fever and the worst sinus infection ever. Is this supposed to happen or do I need to ask him NOT to do that any more? I'm really tired of being in pain, since this time the pain in my neck will not go away. I use a cold pack daily - I just don't understand. I'm only 31 years old. I should not feel like I'm falling apart. Any advice or insight at this point will help - Thanks

Answer
Jennifer,

I have no idea what you mean by "works my sinuses."  Does he press on your face with his thumbs?  Does he place his palms on cheek and forehead and press down?  Does he insert a finger into the roof of your mouth?  Does he inflate a device in your nose?   Assuming he is just pressing on your facial bones, sort of like doing acupressure, then I'm guessing that he is either irritating something that is underlying or co-existing in your sinuses.  If you have chronic sinusitis, then a CT scan will help determine if there are any structural issues that you may not be aware of.  Odds are that the manual methods of the DC are not causing a viral or bacterial sinus infection every time he works on you unless he is not washing his hands after every patient or is not wearing gloves.  If you truly develop a bacterial infection after treatment, that warrents some concern.   

'Hope this helps,

Dr. G