Frontal Head Pain-a New Cranial Approach: NasalRX(Cranial Facial Release) at Cranial Solutions Christchurch and Auckland

Introduction

Frontal head pain -a pressure or discomfort felt across the forehead -affects countless NZers every day. While many assume this pain is due to sinus congestion, research shows that what people call a “sinus headache” is often a migraine or a tension-type headache from another source. Misdiagnosis can leave people searching for relief that never truly arrives.

At Cranial Solutions Christchurch and Cranial Solutions Auckland, patients now have access to NasalRX, an advanced cranial procedure adapted from decades of cranial care techniques. Our clinics continue the legacy once offered under Headache & Tendon, now expanding with a more comprehensive service dedicated to those living with concussion, chronic headaches, chronic migraines, sinus issues, mouth breathing difficulties, and jaw conditions (TMJ).

Understanding Frontal Head Pain

Frontal pain may feel like:

• Pressure above the eyebrows or behind the forehead.

• A band of tightness across the brow -

• Pain that worsens when bending forward.

• Associated heaviness in the face or nasal passages.

While sinus infection can indeed cause these symptoms, studies suggest many “sinus headaches” are actually migraines or tension headaches. The overlap of symptoms makes correct identification essential.

Frontal head pain is often influenced by tension patterns in the cranial and facial structures. The bones of the skull, although subtle in their movement, are connected through soft tissue, membranes, and muscle attachments. When these areas become restricted - whether through stress, posture, or past trauma -the resulting tension can spread forward into the forehead region. This creates a sense of pressure or heaviness that patients commonly describe as a “band” or “weight” across the brow.

Soft tissues such as the frontalis muscle, temporalis muscle, and surrounding fascial layers also play a significant role. When these tissues contract for extended periods -often from jaw clenching, eye strain, or poor neck alignment -they can increase mechanical pull on the cranial system. This contraction reduces circulation and contributes to irritation of pain-sensitive structures. The combination of cranial restriction and soft tissue contraction helps explain why frontal head pain can feel persistent, diffuse, and difficult to resolve with surface-level therapies alone.

The Five Key Conditions Often Involved

At Cranial Solutions, patients frequently seek support for five main categories of head-related issues.

1. Concussion

Post-concussion symptoms often linger long after the initial injury. These may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and changes in concentration or sleep. Many of these problems trace back to cranial restrictions that remain unresolved following trauma. At our Christchurch Concussion Clinic and Auckland Concussion Clinic, NasalRX is offered as part of structural care that patients often find helpful in addressing lingering post-injury issues.

2. Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches -whether tension-type or cervicogenic -are often linked to muscular strain and cranial fixations in the neck and upper back. These can place ongoing stress on the nervous system and blood supply to the head. Patients who have lived with unresolved headaches for years often describe a noticeable difference after cranial release work.

3. Chronic Migraines

Migraines remain one of the most disabling health conditions worldwide. Many who attend Cranial Solutions Christchurch or Cranial Solutions Auckland have already tried medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapies. NasalRX provides a different option, targeting structural restrictions that may contribute to vascular and neurological patterns underlying migraine episodes.

4. Sinus Issues

Persistent sinus congestion creates pressure across the face and forehead. Structural narrowing within the nasal passage can make breathing difficult, leading to mouth breathing and snoring. By gently opening nasal pathways, NasalRX has been used to support those with long-term sinus issues.

5. Mouth Breathing & Jaw Conditions (TMJ)

Mouth breathing is often the body’s compensation when airflow through the nose is restricted. Over time, this can affect sleep, energy, and even jaw alignment. Similarly, TMJ jaw dysfunction is frequently linked to cranial tension. At our clinics, many patients seeking help with jaw pain, clenching, and grinding find cranial work to be an important part of their care plan.

Cranial Approaches: From BNS to NasalRX (Cranial Facial Release)

Historical Development

In the 1960s and 1970s, Chiropractic physician Dr. Richard Stober developed the Bilateral Nasal Specific (BNS) technique, designed to influence cranial movement and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics.

From this foundation, modern techniques such as Cranial Facial Release (CFR) and now NasalRX have evolved. Each variation has sought to gently address the cranial system from the inside, where subtle but powerful restrictions can form.

The NasalRX Technique

NasalRX (Cranial facial Release) involves the gentle insertion of a soft, sterile medical balloon into the nasal passage, briefly inflated to micro-mobilise the surrounding cranial bones. Patients often describe an immediate change in pressure, improved nasal airflow, or a sense of relief in long-standing tension patterns.

Unlike external therapies, NasalRX works directly inside the cranial vault, influencing structural relationships that other approaches cannot reach. With NasalRX look at the body globally and correct alignment in other regions that are connected to symptoms identified in the head.

Frontal Head Pain and Cranial Function

When the bones of the skull lose their subtle mobility, pressure builds. This can restrict:

• Cerebrospinal fluid flow, affecting nerve function.

• Blood supply to parts of the brain and face.

• Sinus drainage, leading to congestion.

• Muscle and joint balance, particularly in the neck and jaw.

This interplay helps explain why patients with chronic migraines, unresolved headaches, sinus blockages, and TMJ issues often seek cranial procedures as part of their care.

A Patient-Focused Model at Cranial Solutions

At Cranial Solutions Christchurch and Auckland, the approach combines decades of musculoskeletal practice with advanced cranial procedures. The process is not about “quick fixes” but about identifying and addressing underlying patterns that have persisted for years.

Assessment

A detailed review of history, lifestyle, posture, and cranial mobility guides treatment planning.

Treatment

NasalRX is delivered in phases-commonly four sessions across eight days in Phase 1-allowing for gradual and sustainable cranial release.

Integration

Supportive care such as ergonomic advice, posture correction, breathing retraining, and musculoskeletal therapy may be incorporated to maximise stability.

Services at the Clinics

• Chronic Headache Care: Addressing cervicogenic and tension-type drivers through cranial and musculoskeletal alignment.

• Migraine Support: Many patients report reduced frequency and intensity of migraines after cranial care.

• Concussion Recovery: Helping manage lingering post-concussion symptoms through structural release.

• Sinus & Nasal Breathing: Opening pathways for improved airflow and reduced reliance on mouth breathing.

• Jaw (TMJ) Care: Relieving cranial tension patterns that influence jaw clenching and pain.

Each service is designed to support long-term structural balance rather than short-term masking of symptoms.

Why Christchurch and Auckland?

Our two clinics -in Christchurch and Auckland -are the only locations in NZ offering NasalRX exclusively. This provides patients access to a cranial treatment option without needing to travel overseas.

The transition from Headache & Tendon to Cranial Solutions reflects our continued mission: focusing on the most persistent cranial and musculoskeletal conditions while integrating new techniques that align with decades of practice.

Safety & Comfort

NasalRX is:

• Non-surgical.

• Brief in application (the inflation lasts only seconds).

• Performed by trained practitioners with long experience in cranial and musculoskeletal care.

Most patients describe only temporary pressure or minor discomfort during the procedure.

Lifestyle Considerations

To reinforce results, patients are encouraged to:

• Maintain hydration.

• Practise stress-reduction strategies.

• Sleep in supportive postures.

• Reduce reliance on mouth breathing (Deep Nasal breathing fundamental to health - NasalRX restores - which is key to assisting with stress reduction) .

• Use ergonomic adjustments at work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NasalRX the same as surgery?

No, it is non-surgical and does not involve cutting or tissue removal.

How many treatments are needed?

Most begin with Phase 1 (4 sessions in 8 days). Further phases may be recommended.

Can it help with jaw pain?

Yes, many patients seeking TMJ jaw support report relief after cranial release.

Does it help with sinus issues?

By gently opening structural pathways, patients often describe easier breathing and less congestion.

What about concussion?

NasalRX has been used as part of care for post-concussion symptoms, particularly where headaches and breathing restrictions remain.

Conclusion: A Holistic Path Forward

Frontal head pain, whether from sinus congestion, migraines, concussion after-effects, nasal breathing issues, or jaw dysfunction, can be complex and difficult to manage with standard options alone.

At Cranial Solutions Christchurch and Auckland NasalRX offers a unique cranial approach not available elsewhere in NZ.

For those living with chronic or unresolved conditions, exploring structural cranial care may provide the path toward greater comfort, improved breathing, and a restored sense of wellbeing.