Surviving Sinus Season: How to Tackle Sinus Issues When Buffalo's Weather Can't Make Up Its Mind

Ah, Buffalo weather—one day, you’re bundled up like you’re trekking through the Arctic, and the next, you’re debating if it’s too early to break out the shorts. While this meteorological rollercoaster keeps things interesting, it’s also a prime culprit for sinus issues. If your head feels like it’s stuffed with cotton, your face is aching, and you can’t seem to stop sneezing, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into why these rapid temperature swings wreak havoc on your sinuses and what you can do to breathe easier.


Why Do Temperature Swings Mess With Our Sinuses?


Your sinuses are air-filled cavities in your skull that produce mucus to keep your nasal passages moist and protect against irritants like dust, allergens, and bacteria. But when temperatures jump from freezing to balmy in a matter of hours, your sinuses don’t always adjust smoothly. Here’s why:


Barometric Pressure Changes: Shifts in atmospheric pressure can cause sinus cavities to expand and contract, leading to congestion and pain.

Increased Mucus Production: Cold air dries out nasal passages, prompting your body to produce more mucus, which can lead to blockages and sinus infections.

Allergen and Pathogen Fluctuations: Warm days can bring a resurgence of mold spores and pollen, while cold snaps increase indoor time and exposure to dust and pet dander.

Vasodilation & Constriction: Blood vessels in your nasal passages respond to temperature changes by expanding or contracting, sometimes triggering inflammation and congestion.


Basically, your sinuses are trying to adapt to Buffalo’s mood swings, but they don’t always do it gracefully.


How to Combat Sinus Issues Like a Pro


While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to keep your sinuses happy. Here’s how:


1. Stay Hydrated


Dry air equals dry sinuses, which equals trouble. Drinking plenty of water helps thin out mucus and keeps your nasal passages from drying up. Herbal teas and broths are also great for hydration (bonus: steam from a hot cup of tea can give your sinuses an extra boost).


2. Use a Humidifier


Buffalo winters are notoriously dry, and indoor heating only makes things worse. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, preventing your sinuses from drying out. Aim for a humidity level between 30-50% to keep things balanced.


3. Try a Nasal Rinse


Saline sprays or neti pots can flush out allergens, irritants, and excess mucus. Just be sure to use distilled or previously boiled water to avoid introducing bacteria.


4. Get Moving


Exercise increases circulation and can help reduce nasal congestion. Even a brisk walk can get things flowing. Just be mindful of outdoor allergens on warmer days!


5. Apply Warm Compresses


A warm towel over your sinuses can help open nasal passages and relieve pressure. It’s a simple, soothing fix when sinus pain strikes.


6. Seek Chiropractic Care


Wait—chiropractic care for sinus issues? Yep, you read that right. Adjustments, particularly in the upper cervical spine, can help promote proper drainage of the sinuses. Misalignments in the neck can impact nerve function and circulation, potentially leading to sinus congestion. Chiropractic care can help restore balance and improve overall function, making it easier for your body to fight off sinus-related discomfort.


7. Massage Therapy for Sinus Relief


A good sinus massage can work wonders. Massage techniques targeting the face, neck, and shoulders help improve circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage, and reduce tension that might be contributing to sinus pressure. Many people find relief from gentle facial massage, especially around the cheekbones and eyebrows, where sinus cavities tend to become inflamed. Plus, it’s incredibly relaxing—who doesn’t want an excuse for a massage?


8. Support Your Immune System


A strong immune system means fewer sinus infections. Load up on nutrient-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and healthy fats. Probiotics from yogurt or fermented foods can also support your gut, which plays a big role in immune health. And let’s not forget good old-fashioned rest—your body needs sleep to function at its best.


9. Avoid Common Triggers


If you’re sensitive to pollen: Check air quality reports and keep windows closed on high pollen days.

If you’re prone to indoor allergies: Regularly clean bedding, vacuum with a HEPA filter, and replace furnace filters frequently.

If strong scents bother you: Avoid heavy perfumes, scented candles, and harsh cleaning chemicals.

10. When to See a Professional


If your sinus issues are persistent, leading to frequent infections, or accompanied by severe pain or fever, it’s time to check in with a healthcare provider. While home remedies and chiropractic/massage care can help immensely, some cases require medical attention.


Breathe Easier With the Right Care


Buffalo’s wild weather may be unavoidable, but sinus misery doesn’t have to be. By taking proactive steps and incorporating chiropractic and massage care into your wellness routine, you can stay ahead of sinus troubles and enjoy the season—whatever temperature it decides to be today!


At Peak Performance Chiropractic & Wellness, we’re here to help you find relief from sinus-related discomfort. Whether through targeted chiropractic adjustments or sinus-focused massage therapy, our team can help you breathe easier and feel your best. Schedule an appointment today and give your sinuses the support they deserve!


Bethany Wolcott

D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26

The Activator: Small Tool, Big Results in Chiropractic Care

By Design Team • September 8, 2025
When most people picture a chiropractic adjustment, they imagine a manual adjustment—the quick, precise movement of a chiropractor’s hands creating that signature “pop.” But there’s another technique that’s just as effective, and in many cases, even more comfortable for patients: the Activator. This method uses a small handheld tool called the Activator Adjusting Instrument to deliver safe, gentle, and targeted adjustments. While it might look simple, this little spring-loaded device packs a powerful punch when it comes to improving spinal health and reducing pain. In this post, we’ll break down what the Activator is, why chiropractors use it, how it works, and who can benefit most from this technique.

6 Things You Didn’t Know About Kyphosis

By S21 GMB • September 1, 2025
When you hear the word kyphosis , you might picture someone hunched over with poor posture. But this spinal condition is a lot more interesting—and more common—than most people realize. Kyphosis happens when there’s an exaggerated forward rounding of the upper back. While a little rounding is normal, too much can cause pain, stiffness, and even affect breathing in severe cases. The good news? With the right awareness and care, many people can manage it effectively. Here are six things you may not have known about kyphosis: 

Visceral Massage: Supporting the Body from the Inside Out

By Jun Sanchez • August 25, 2025
When most people think about massage, they picture sore shoulders, tight hamstrings, or a knot in the middle of their back. But did you know massage can also target areas inside the body? We’re not talking about bones or muscles this time—we’re talking about your organs. Visceral massage, sometimes called visceral manipulation, is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on releasing restrictions around the organs in your abdomen and chest. This technique may sound a little different than what you’re used to, but it has been shown to help with everything from digestion to chronic pain. Let’s break down what visceral massage is, why it works, and who may benefit. 

Rotator Cuff Syndrome: What It Is, How to Treat It, and How to Keep It From Coming Back

By S21 GMB • August 18, 2025
“Oh, I could have played D1 baseball if I hadn’t torn my rotator cuff in high school.” Right. We’ve all heard this line — sometimes from former athletes, sometimes from the guy at the office who played two years of JV. But what is your rotator cuff? Is a tear really that serious? And is every shoulder ache a career-ending injury? Let’s dig into what’s really going on with this important group of muscles and what you can do to keep them in top form. 

Low-Impact Activities for Joint Health

By S21 GMB • August 11, 2025
7 Best Low-Impact Activities for Lifelong Joint Health and Wellness

Debunking Myths: Common Misconceptions About Chiropractic Care

By S21 GMB • August 4, 2025
Chiropractic care is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions, some of which may lead people to shy away from seeking care or fully understanding its benefits. From concerns about safety to doubts about its effectiveness, many misconceptions persist about chiropractic care. However, as the field of chiropractic continues to grow, research and evidence-based practices help to dispel these myths. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common misconceptions about chiropractic care, and provide evidence to clarify the truths behind them.

Roll With It: A 10-Minute Full-Body Foam Rolling Routine That Your Muscles Will Thank You For

By S21 GMB • July 28, 2025
Whether you’re an elite athlete, a casual competitor, or someone who sits at a desk all day, foam rolling is a simple, effective way to show your muscles some love. It's like giving your body a do-it-yourself massage—no appointment necessary. In just ten minutes a day, you can reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility, and help your body recover faster. At Peak Performance, we often recommend foam rolling to our patients as part of their home care, especially when paired with regular chiropractic and massage therapy. Here's everything you need to know to start rolling your way to a healthier, happier body.

IT Band Syndrome: Why Your Outer Knee Hates You (And What to Do About It)

By S21 GMB • July 21, 2025
If you’ve ever trained for a marathon, ramped up your squat routine, or taken your weekend hikes a little too seriously, chances are you’ve had a run-in with IT Band Syndrome. That nagging pain on the outside of your knee that shows up halfway through your run and sticks around longer than you'd like? That’s your iliotibial (IT) band screaming for help. At our chiropractic and massage office here in Buffalo, NY, we see this common overuse injury all the time—especially among runners, cyclists, lifters, and anyone who moves with purpose. The good news? IT Band Syndrome is treatable, manageable, and preventable. You just need the right game plan—and maybe a chiropractor and massage therapist in your corner.

Kanjo, Acupressure, Wellness

By Sahil's Development Team • July 14, 2025
The Point of Relief: Acupressure Made Easy with Kanjo

Stars, Stripes, and Spines: Why Your Back Goes Pop (and How to Watch Fireworks Without Wrecking It)

By S21 GMB • July 3, 2025
Cue the barbecue, spark up the sparklers, and grab your favorite red, white, and blue—because the Fourth of July is here! As we ooh and aah over fireworks lighting up the night sky, there’s another kind of pop that gets people buzzing this time of year: the satisfying crack that happens during a chiropractic adjustment. Coincidence? Maybe. But if you’ve ever wondered why your back makes that signature sound when adjusted, we’ve got the answers—and some safety tips to make sure your spine is celebrating right alongside you this Independence Day.
Show More