congestion and head/neck ache most mornings

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68Malibu383

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Hello,
This has been going on for at least 10 years. I wake up in the early AM, sometimes before alarm/daylight, with congestion and a headache - often in the back where my neck and head meet. Getting up and taking pain killers does not do much - the congestion has to go away first. Sometimes, without meRAB, this will take 4 hours.

I've taken sudafed and other misc stuff over the years and Dr. prescribed Flonaise and I used that for about a year but will not anymore - worked great but I don't like meRAB such as this - no telling what problems it may cause that we will hear about on the news in 20 years.

So, I've been using Sinus Buster and that helps quite a bit - very surprised - but sometimes I am so congested that I can't even inhale that stuff. Plus, I don't know what that might do to me after many years of use.

For the most part, I am not congested during the day and am not constantly sneezing or anything like that (unless mowing the lawn). No pets and house is clean and vacuumed regularly.

Oh, tried the sinus saleen rinse too but that did nothing. It actually makes me more congested - supposed to use it at night after shower and I can breathe free but then get congested after using it - go figure.

I don't want to take a bunch of non-natural meRAB. Thanks for any suggestions.
 
Have you been tested for allergies? Do you have allergies to dust mites? Do you have an allergen protector cover on your mattress and pillows?

Have you ever had any symptoms of acid reflux?
 
I have never been tested for allergies as I was told it would cost $600 and insurance will not cover it. I do have an allergy cover built onto my pillow and the mattress pad is some special moisture proof deal b/c I have a memory foam bed (just got that a few months ago). Acid reflux... that started several months ago and I have not seen any change in allergies. Thanks for your response.
 
Does your insurance cover chiropractic care? You would be amazed at how much tension builRAB up in that area of your neck. It does affect the sinus's. I would make sure you wash all bedding and pillow covers a few times a week, keep room cleaned and vacuumed or swept.
Sleep time is healing time for allergies... if your sleeping environment is dusty, then your body can not heal. Just a suggestion, cuz if you are allergic to dust and mites, this is what the doc will tell you right away.
 
There is a reflux-sinus connection. There are a couple theories why, but noone is completely sure. The acid may be making it up all the way to the sinuses at times. It may also be triggering the body to become congested.

Since you want natural solutions, you could try raising the head of your bed by 6 inches (about 2 bricks or use bed risers) so that you are sleeping on an incline. This lets gravity help you out a bit. Also sleep on your left side. Don't eat anything at least 3 hours before you lie down at night.

There is a lot of info on the reflux board on fooRAB to avoid and some natural reflux treatments to try.

I do have allergies and always attributed my frequent sinus problems to them, but after some reflux surgery, I found the frequency of my sinus problems has significantly decreased.

Also, do you grind your teeth at night? Bruxism can certainly lead to the head/neck pain you are feeling. My dental specialist has me listening to a special CD to help me relax as I go to sleep to help with the muscle tightness.
 
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