Breathe Easy Again with the Nasal Cranial Release

Understanding the Treatment

Known as the bulb technique or balloon sinuplasty, nasal cranial or craniofacial release (CFR) or sinus specific is a minimally invasive procedure used to open the nasal passages and cavities by straightening the thin wall of tissue that separates them. Physical abnormalities or trauma to this wall or septum can leave one or more passages unusually narrow, making it much harder to breathe. In some cases, the constricted passage is also much more vulnerable to infection, as well.

Repositioning Bones in the Skull

The bulb technique can help relieve these issues by realigning the nasal cavities and bones of the skull. In particular, it relies on the movement of the bones in our skull. The human skull is made up of 22 separate bones that move when we breathe in order to release pressure on the brain. Each bone moves in its own specific direction during respiration.

The goal of this treatment is to mobilize the cranial bones, improve the flow of fluids throughout the cranium, and open the airways.

During inhalation, the skull expands and shortens. Then, during exhalation, the skull relaxes and elongates. This process facilitates the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a liquid which flows through the ventricles in the brain and into the spinal cord. Individual bones, such as the occipital bone at the base of the skull, shift to encourage the spread of CSF to the areas of the nervous system where it is needed. If any of these individual movements is impaired, it can put pressure on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Because the nervous system is key to the function of the entire body, impaired function of the former can undermine the latter. 

Improved Taste, Smell, and Appearance

By restoring proper movement of the cranial bones, CFR can have an impact on many aspects of your health besides breathing. Because smell and taste are so closely aligned, the procedure can realign and improve a person’s palate. Even more noticeable are the changes in facial structure. By opening up the structure of the nasal cavities, the bulb technique can shift the other tissues and create a more symmetrical appearance of the facial features. 

When Is the Bulb Technique Recommended?

Dr. Langford usually recommends this treatment for any patient suffering from impaired breathing. In the past 25 years, he has used the bulb technique on patients with deviated septa, allergies, sports-related injuries, and even sleep apnea. However, patients should keep in mind that the procedure is only effective on nose-related breathing problems. It cannot relieve issues tied to the throat or lungs. 

Treatable Conditions

CFR is not intended to treat any specific disorder or disease. Instead, the goal of this treatment is to mobilize the cranial bones, improve the flow of fluids throughout the cranium, and open the airways. However, in doing so, CFR often improves symptoms stemming from various other structural and neurological disorders as a side effect, such as:

• Migraines and other types of headaches
• Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
• Sleep apnea
• Post-concussive syndrome
• Breathing issues
• Sinusitis
• Vertigo
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Bell’s palsy
• Snoring
• Head trauma

Certain learning and emotional disorders also respond well to CFR. Other potential effects of this treatment include improved hearing or eyesight, especially for nearsighted patients. By facilitating cerebral blood flow and improving endocrine function, CFR can also contribute to your overall health and wellness.

There are certain conditions which may prompt Dr. Langford to recommend an alternative treatment to nasal cranial release, such as:

• Hemophilia
• The use of blood thinners
• Nasal fistulas
• Aneurysms
• Recent nasal fractures
• Previous facial surgeries
• Elevated blood pressure
• Severe osteoporosis of the cranium

If you are allergic to latex, Dr. Langford may use nitrile covers for the balloon used in the procedure. Be sure to share all medical conditions and allergies with us before your treatment. 

The Treatment Process

Appointments typically last only about 10 to 30 minutes. Before beginning the treatment itself, Dr. Langford will first conduct a brief general exam of the spine to get a sense of your general health. Because the neck and upper cervical region of the spine affect the sinus, mouth, and ears, adjustments here can also relieve breathing-related issues. After the procedure you will be given an all-natural, anti-microbial sinus cleanser of his own making, he will then clear your nasal passages so it is as easy as possible to insert the bulb.

Impaired breathing can severely affect your quality of life. With the nasal cranial release, Dr. Langford strives to open the airways so that you can breathe more easily.

At this point, Dr. Langford can begin realigning the nasal cavities. He will insert the specialized balloon and begin to inflate it. Because this procedure physically shifts tissue, it can be somewhat uncomfortable. Some patients may feel cracks or pops. To minimize this sensation, inflation of the bulb is usually gradual. In most cases, Dr. Langford will recommend repeating the procedure at three separate appointments for full realignment. If necessary, he may further hone results with cold laser therapy, which can speed the healing process by up to 68 percent.  

Most patients can notice results from treatment immediately. While you will likely experience some congestion in at least one nostril, it should disappear within a few days of treatment.

Potential Side Effects

The bulb technique is a safe, minimally invasive procedure. However, there are a few minor side effects associated with treatment, such as:

• Sore throat
• Bloody nose
• Mild headache
• Clogged ears
• Congestion or stuffiness
• Continuous drainage, or runny nose
• Pain in the roof of the mouth or across the upper teeth

Some patients develop an infection after treatment. Contact our office right away so we can assess your symptoms or call 911.

Achieving Optimal Health

Health is not the absence of disease. According to Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, health is the optimal state of mental, physical, and social wellbeing. In essence, just because you are not sick does not mean you are healthy. True health requires consistent maintenance of all areas of your wellbeing. 

One of the ways to optimize your health is to improve the alignment of the bones in your cranium and the alignment of your sinus passageways. Improving the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and the function of the endocrine system can help increase your overall sense of emotional and physical wellbeing. In addition, Dr. Langford can combine this treatment with other similar adjustments to ensure your entire body is aligned and functioning in harmony.

Improve Your Breathing

Impaired breathing can severely affect your quality of life. With the nasal cranial release, Dr. Langford strives to open the airways so that you can breathe more easily. Reach out online to schedule a consultation and find out whether this procedure can help you.