Nasal Specific Technique
One thing I never pictured doing when I grew up was putting balloons in strange noses. Yet, here we are!
Nasal Specific Technique (NST) was created in Portland, OR by Dr. Stober, DC, ND, in 1945 has been used ever since. Small balloons are inserted into the nasal passages (in an area called the turbinates), then inflated quickly, deflated and removed. This process opens up the passages and stimulates mucus secretions, aiding in drainage and improved breathing. Patients are left feeling more open and facial pain and headaches are often reduced.
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I have been performing this procedure over the last ten years of practice. I knew when I opened my practice in the Central Valley of California that this procedure would be sought after. I have treated patients that are desperate for relief from headaches and facial pain. Even patients struggling with chronic sinus infections have found relief. My favorite is when someone who has suffered for years from a headache, and has tried everything, finds relief with this treatment, because I was one of those people too!
A little history on why I chose this treatment option as part of my services. I had a headache for about 13 years of my life. It was there when I woke up in the morning, and when I went to bed at night and every minute in between from age 17-30. I took 800mg of ibuprofen daily with no relief. Every chiropractor I saw would panic and adjust my neck and try nutritional recommendations. I tried no sugar, no gluten, quit all soda, more caffeine, less caffeine, more water, more greens, more protein, more fats, vitamins, minerals…you name it, I tried it. I tried fancy pillows, rolled up towels, no pillow. I did postural exercises, got adjusted regularly and nothing helped. I had resolved to just having a headache…all the time. When I was in my first year at University of Western States (UWS), my chiropractic intern suggested I try NST. I laughed and told him there was no way he was sticking a balloon in my nose! Fast forward three years later, I had to learn how to perform the technique in class. If you’re unaware, we practice on each other in school…so crap…I had to get it done. I decided to beat the system and volunteered to be the demo patient for the instructor…at least a student wouldn’t be doing it that way. My plan backfired and the instructor demo’d on one side and had three students try on the other side!! She did it that way so I could provide constructive feedback and honestly, it wasn’t that much different between the seasoned instructor and the students. The best part? I felt so amazing afterward! I didn’t have a headache!! I was in disbelief and bouncing off the walls all day. I could breathe and my nose felt straighter and I was ecstatic. The even better part? It’s been 11 years! I had three treatments initially and have given myself a handful over the years. Yes, I still get occasional headaches, but not the daily all the time headache.
NST is a low-risk treatment option for headaches, snoring, sinus pain, etc. If you suffer with headaches or facial pain, this might be the treatment for you. If you have had a recent facial or sinus surgery, you likely will not be a candidate for this procedure. Not everyone has the same dramatic response to treatment that I did. Some take several treatments and others do not respond at all. You never know until you try.
I would love to put a balloon up your nose. Please reach out with any questions! dr.ochs@ochschiropractic.com
