Services › Nasal Release Technique
Advanced Services · NoVa Spine & Wellness

The Skull Has Bones
That Move. NRT Restores
Their Function.

Nasal Release Technique (NRT) is a specialized endonasal cranial mobilization that restores normal movement of the sphenoid and cranial bones through the nasal passages — relieving chronic headaches, sinus congestion, facial pain, and neurological symptoms that originate in cranial bone restriction. One of the few practitioners in Northern Virginia offering this specialized technique.

Book an NRT Appointment How It Works
NRT Certified — Dr. Nick Weber, DC
One of very few NRT providers in the Northern Virginia / Fairfax area
Aetna · BCBS · CareFirst · UHC accepted · 703-447-1121
Sphenoid
The central cranial bone — articulates with every other bone in the skull. When restricted, it affects facial symmetry, sinus drainage, intracranial pressure, and cranial nerve function
NRT mobilizes the sphenoid directly through the nasal passage
Rare
Very few chiropractors in the United States are trained and certified in Nasal Release Technique — making Dr. Weber’s NRT certification a significant differentiator in Northern Virginia
Cranial
+ Spinal
NRT addresses the cranial component of the nervous system that CBP spinal correction cannot reach — completing the structural picture from occiput to sacrum
What Is Nasal Release Technique?

Endonasal cranial mobilization —
restoring movement the skull lost.

Nasal Release Technique (NRT) — also called Bilateral Nasal Specific (BNS) technique — is a specialized procedure in which a small, finger-cot balloon is briefly inflated within each of the six nasal passages (three on each side) to mobilize the cranial bones, particularly the sphenoid bone, through their natural range of motion.

The cranial bones are not fused — they maintain subtle, rhythmic motion throughout life via the craniosacral mechanism. When this motion is restricted by trauma, birth injury, chronic tension, or postural loading, the consequences range from chronic headaches and sinus dysfunction to facial asymmetry and neurological symptoms. NRT directly restores this mobility by accessing the cranial bones from within the nasal passages — the only anatomical route that allows direct contact with the sphenoid bone without surgery.

The technique was developed in the mid-20th century and refined over decades of clinical practice. Dr. Weber is one of a very small number of practitioners in Northern Virginia with formal NRT certification — making this a genuinely rare service in the region.

Why through the nose?
The nasal passages provide direct access to the sphenoid — which no other external technique can reach.
The sphenoid bone sits at the geometric center of the skull and articulates with every other cranial bone. External craniosacral therapy can sense cranial motion but cannot directly mobilize the sphenoid. NRT uses the nasal passage as an anatomical corridor to deliver brief, precise pressure directly against the sphenoid — producing a mobilization that external techniques simply cannot replicate.
NRT Certified · Dr. Nick Weber, DC
One of very few NRT providers in Northern Virginia.
NRT certification requires specialized training beyond standard chiropractic education. Dr. Weber’s certification makes NoVa Spine & Wellness one of the only practices in the Fairfax and Northern Virginia region offering this technique.
Book an NRT Session Call 703-447-1121
Practice Information
Location
10617 Jones St, Suite 101A
Fairfax, VA 22030
Insurance
Aetna · BCBS · CareFirst
UHC · Cash Pay
The Sphenoid — Why It Matters

The central bone of the skull
that most practitioners never address.

The sphenoid is a butterfly-shaped bone that sits at the center of the cranial base. It is unique in the skull because it articulates with every other cranial bone — making it the structural keystone of the entire cranium. Restriction of sphenoid mobility does not produce isolated, local symptoms — it affects everything connected to it.

The sphenoid also houses the pituitary gland in a bony saddle (the sella turcica), forms part of the orbital walls, provides attachment for the pterygoid muscles of mastication, and transmits multiple cranial nerves and vascular structures through its numerous foramina. A restricted sphenoid is not a minor structural issue — it affects neurological, endocrine, vascular, and mechanical function simultaneously.

Sphenobasilar Junction
The articulation between the sphenoid and the occiput — the sphenobasilar synchondrosis (SBS) — is one of the most clinically significant joints in the body. Restriction here affects the entire craniosacral rhythm and is implicated in a wide range of neurological and physiological symptoms. NRT directly mobilizes this junction.
Orbital Walls & Visual Function
The sphenoid forms the lateral orbital walls. Sphenoid restriction can subtly compress the orbital contents, alter visual field symmetry, and contribute to orbital headaches and pressure behind the eyes — symptoms commonly attributed to other causes.
Cranial Nerve Transmission
Multiple cranial nerves pass through foramina in or adjacent to the sphenoid — including branches of the trigeminal nerve (CN V), the abducens nerve (CN VI), and the optic nerve (CN II) via the optic canal. Sphenoid restriction can contribute to trigeminal neuralgia, facial pain, and visual symptoms through mechanical compression of these transmission pathways.
Sinus Drainage & Intracranial Pressure
The sphenoid sinus drains into the nasopharynx — restriction of sphenoid mobility impairs this drainage, contributing to chronic sinusitis, post-nasal drip, and a sensation of head pressure. NRT restores sphenoid movement, improving drainage and reducing intracranial pressure symptoms.
Cranial Bones — NRT Mobilization Targets
Primary Target
Sphenoid Bone
Central cranial keystone — articulates with all other cranial bones. Houses pituitary, transmits multiple cranial nerves. Mobilized directly via NRT balloon pressure in nasal passage.
Secondary
Vomer & Ethmoid
Nasal bones that transmit the mobilization force to the sphenoid — their movement is the mechanical pathway through which NRT accesses the central cranium
Indirectly Mobilized
Temporal Bones
Sphenoid mobilization secondarily restores temporal bone motion — improving TMJ mechanics, tinnitus symptoms, and inner ear pressure regulation
Indirectly Mobilized
Frontal Bone
Frontal restriction contributes to frontal headaches and sinus pressure — releasing the sphenoid removes the tensional force that maintains frontal bone restriction
SBS Junction
Sphenobasilar Synchondrosis (SBS)
The junction between sphenoid and occiput — the most clinically significant cranial articulation. NRT mobilization restores normal SBS motion and the craniosacral rhythm it regulates
7
Other cranial bones directly articulate with the sphenoid — making sphenoid restriction a whole-skull dysfunction, not a local one
6
Nasal passages treated per session — three on each side in a specific bilateral sequence for maximum cranial mobilization effect
Conditions NRT Addresses

Symptoms that begin in the skull —
addressed at their cranial source.

NRT is indicated for conditions driven by cranial bone restriction, impaired craniosacral rhythm, sphenoid dysfunction, and nasal structural compromise. Many of these conditions have been inadequately addressed by conventional approaches that do not evaluate or mobilize the cranial component.

🧠
Chronic Headaches & Migraines
Cranial bone restriction — particularly sphenoid and temporal — is an underrecognized structural source of recurring headaches. NRT addresses the cranial mechanical component that cervical correction alone cannot reach.
👃
Chronic Sinus Congestion
Sphenoid restriction impairs sinus drainage pathways. NRT restores sphenoid mobility, opening drainage routes and reducing the chronic congestion that sinusitis medications only temporarily suppress.
😮
Facial Pain & Pressure
Sphenoid dysfunction compresses the pterygoid and trigeminal nerve branches — producing deep facial aching, periorbital pressure, and cheekbone pain that dental and ENT evaluations frequently miss.
👂
Tinnitus & Ear Pressure
Temporal bone restriction from sphenoid dysfunction alters Eustachian tube mechanics and inner ear pressure regulation — contributing to chronic tinnitus, ear fullness, and pressure symptoms.
😵
Dizziness & Vertigo
Cranial bone restriction can compress vestibular and cochlear structures — contributing to dizziness, balance disturbance, and positional vertigo that has not responded to vestibular rehabilitation.
👁️
Orbital Headache & Eye Pressure
The sphenoid forms the lateral orbital wall — restriction produces a characteristic pressure behind and around the eye that is commonly misattributed to tension headache or ocular pathology.
🦷
TMJ Dysfunction
The temporal bones house the TMJ condyles — sphenoid restriction alters temporal bone position and changes the mechanics of the jaw joint, contributing to clicking, locking, and jaw pain that dental appliances alone do not resolve.
😴
Sleep-Disordered Breathing
NRT expands the nasal passage cross-section and reduces nasopharyngeal restriction — improving airflow and reducing the nasal obstruction that contributes to snoring and mild sleep apnea in many patients.
🌊
Post-Concussion Symptoms
Traumatic cranial bone compression from head injuries creates restriction patterns that persist long after the acute injury resolves — contributing to post-concussion headaches, cognitive fog, and light sensitivity. NRT directly addresses this cranial component.
NRT does not replace medical evaluation for any of these conditions. Patients with active nasal polyps, recent nasal surgery, acute sinusitis with fever, or suspected intracranial pathology should receive appropriate medical clearance before NRT is performed. Dr. Weber reviews your complete history before every session.
What Happens During an NRT Session

Brief, precise, and immediately
felt by most patients.

1
Assessment
Cranial Evaluation & Symptom Review
Dr. Weber begins with a detailed review of your cranial symptoms — headache location and character, sinus history, trauma history, TMJ symptoms, and any neurological complaints. Cranial palpation assesses the mobility and symmetry of the key cranial bones. Nasal passage assessment confirms no acute contraindications — active infection, recent surgery, or polyps that would require medical clearance before proceeding. Your symptom pattern guides which nasal passages are prioritized and the intensity of mobilization applied.
2
Preparation
Nasal Passage Preparation
A sterile, latex-free finger cot is fitted onto a finger, and the patient is positioned supine with their head in a slightly extended position. The nasal passages are assessed for any obstruction. The procedure is explained step by step before it begins — patients who understand exactly what to expect tolerate NRT significantly better than those taken by surprise. Breathing technique during the inflation is reviewed: a slow exhale through the mouth during the brief inflation phase minimizes discomfort and maximizes the mobilization response.
3
Treatment
Bilateral Nasal Passage Inflation
The finger cot is gently inserted into the first nasal passage (inferior meatus) and briefly inflated to a small, controlled pressure — producing a momentary, firm pressure against the nasal wall that mobilizes the nasal bone and transmits corrective force through the vomer and ethmoid to the sphenoid. The inflation lasts approximately 1–3 seconds — it is brief, firm, and produces a distinctive pressure sensation that most patients describe as intense but immediately releasing. All six passages are treated in a specific bilateral sequence — right inferior, left inferior, right middle, left middle, right superior, left superior — to systematically mobilize the full range of sphenoid motion.
4
Post-Treatment
Immediate Response Assessment
Following completion of all six passages, Dr. Weber reassesses cranial symmetry and asks about immediate symptom changes. The responses patients report immediately after NRT are often dramatic — instant clearing of sinus congestion, reduction in head pressure, improved breathing through the nose, and changes in headache character are all common within minutes. Some patients report a brief lightheadedness as intracranial pressure normalizes — this resolves within a few minutes in a reclined position.
5
Integration
Cranial + Spinal Integration
NRT is most powerful when performed in conjunction with cervical adjustments — because the occiput (base of skull) and upper cervical vertebrae are anatomically and mechanically continuous. Cranial mobilization from NRT and upper cervical structural correction from CBP address adjacent levels of the same mechanical system. Sessions that integrate NRT with upper cervical adjustment routinely produce outcomes neither technique achieves alone — particularly for patients whose headaches have both cranial and cervicogenic components.
“Most patients who come for NRT have been managing their headaches, sinus issues, or facial pain for years without anyone addressing the cranial component. The relief after a first session can be immediate and striking.”
— Dr. Nick Weber, DC · NRT Certified
1–3 sec
The duration of each nasal inflation — brief, precise, and immediately producing the cranial mobilization response that patients feel in real time
What to expect during the session
Brief, firm nasal pressure lasting 1–3 seconds per passage
Possible crackling sound as cranial bones mobilize
Immediate nasal clearing common after first passage
Brief lightheadedness may follow — resolves in minutes
Total session time: 15–30 minutes
Why NRT is rare — and why that matters

NRT requires specialized post-graduate training most chiropractors never pursue.

Unlike standard chiropractic adjustments, NRT is not taught in chiropractic college curricula. It requires dedicated post-graduate certification training — which is why very few practitioners in any region offer it. Dr. Weber’s NRT certification makes NoVa Spine & Wellness one of the only practices in the Northern Virginia and Fairfax area where this technique is available.

Post-Grad
Not in Standard Training
NRT is not part of the standard Doctor of Chiropractic curriculum — it requires dedicated post-graduate certification that most practitioners never pursue.
Unique
The Only Direct Sphenoid Access
No other non-surgical technique can directly contact and mobilize the sphenoid bone. The nasal passage is the only available anatomical corridor to reach it.
Complete
Cranial + Spinal = Full System
CBP addresses the spinal column from occiput to sacrum. NRT addresses the cranial component above the occiput. Together they address the full length of the central nervous system’s structural housing.
NRT + CBP Integration

Addressing the full length
of the structural system.

The central nervous system is housed within a continuous bony canal — from the cranial vault at the top to the sacrum at the bottom. CBP structural correction addresses the spinal component of this canal — cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. NRT addresses the cranial component above the foramen magnum. Together they represent the most comprehensive structural approach to neurological and musculoskeletal health available in chiropractic.

1
Headaches with both cranial and cervical components
Many chronic headaches have contributions from both cervical structural deviation (vertebral artery compression, C1–C3 irritation) and cranial restriction (sphenoid, temporal). Addressing only the cervical component leaves the cranial driver untreated — which is why cervical CBP correction alone incompletely resolves headaches in some patients.
2
Upper cervical correction is amplified by cranial release
The occiput and C1 (atlas) are mechanically and neurologically continuous. Cranial restriction at the occiput creates tension that resists upper cervical correction. NRT releases this cranial tension — allowing C1–C2 adjustments to be more precise and more effective in the same session.
3
Dural tension released from both ends
The dura mater attaches to the occiput superiorly and the sacrum inferiorly. Cranial restriction creates superior dural tension; sacral deviation creates inferior dural tension. NRT releases the cranial attachment while CBP correction addresses the sacral and lumbar components — normalizing dural tension throughout its full length.
4
Neurological symptoms addressed at their structural origin
Patients with symptoms that span both cranial (headaches, tinnitus, facial pain) and spinal (neck pain, arm numbness, back pain) regions benefit most from integrated NRT and CBP care — because their symptoms originate from structural restrictions at multiple levels of the same neurological housing system.
The complete structural approach
Three techniques. One goal: correct the structure housing your nervous system.
🦴 CBP Spinal Correction
Corrects cervical, thoracic, and lumbar curve deviations. Addresses the spinal canal from C1 to sacrum.
👃 Nasal Release Technique
Mobilizes sphenoid and cranial bones. Addresses the cranial vault above the foramen magnum.
🪡 Dry Needling
Releases the myofascial trigger points that resist structural correction and amplify pain — at every level of the spine and cranium.
Can I receive NRT without CBP care?
Yes — NRT is available as a standalone service for patients seeking cranial mobilization for sinus, headache, facial pain, or post-concussion concerns. CBP care is not required to access NRT. If structural findings suggest combined care would be beneficial, Dr. Weber discusses that option — it is never a condition of receiving NRT.
What to Expect

Your NRT experience —
session by session.

NRT produces some of the most immediate and dramatic responses of any technique in Dr. Weber’s practice. Most patients notice significant changes within the first session — and responses deepen over 4–8 sessions as cranial bone mobility progressively restores.

During the Procedure
Brief pressure, audible release, immediate clearing
The inflation produces a firm 1–3 second pressure in each nasal passage. Many patients hear or feel a crackling sensation as cranial bones mobilize. Nasal clearing often begins after the first passage — patients describe immediate improvement in air flow through the nose.
First 15 Minutes After
Pressure changes, mood shift, sensory clarity
Patients commonly report a feeling of expanded space in the head, reduced facial pressure, improved visual clarity, and a notable mood elevation in the first 15 minutes after NRT. Some experience brief lightheadedness as intracranial pressure normalizes — Dr. Weber keeps patients reclined until this resolves.
Hours 1–24
Possible nasal drainage and mild soreness
Increased nasal drainage is common in the hours following NRT as sinus pathways open. Mild nasal soreness or sensitivity may occur and typically resolves within 24 hours. Some patients experience a temporary increase in headache before the lasting reduction — a normal response as cranial pressure equilibrates.
Sessions 2–8
Cumulative improvement with each session
Chronic cranial restriction accumulated over years requires multiple sessions to fully resolve. Each session restores additional mobility — headaches reduce in frequency and severity, sinus congestion progressively clears, and associated neurological symptoms improve as intracranial pressure normalizes.
Long-Term
Maintenance for sustained cranial mobility
Cranial bones can re-restrict over time — particularly following trauma, dental work, or sustained postural stress. Periodic NRT maintenance (monthly or as needed) preserves the mobility restored through the initial series and prevents symptomatic relapse.
Insurance & Payment
We work with your insurance.
NRT coverage varies by plan and diagnosis. We verify your specific benefits before your first appointment.
div class=”ich-n”>Aetna
In-network
BlueCross BlueShield
In-network
CareFirst
In-network
UnitedHealthCare
In-network
Questions about NRT coverage? Call 703-447-1121 and we’ll verify before you book.
Other Services at NoVa Spine & Wellness

Explore our full range of services.

🦴
CBP Spinal Correction
🪡
Dry Needling
👃
Nasal Release Technique
💚
Wellness Care
Still have questions?
Talk to Dr. Weber before you book.
NRT is unlike anything most patients have experienced before. A free 15-minute phone consultation is available to discuss the procedure and whether it’s appropriate for your situation.
Book an NRT Session
or
Call 703-447-1121
FAQ

NRT questions
answered directly.

Is it safe to put a balloon inside my nose?
Yes — when performed by a trained, certified practitioner. The finger cot used in NRT is specifically sized for the nasal passage meatus and inflated to a controlled, brief pressure. The inflation is 1–3 seconds — not sustained pressure. Dr. Weber has received formal NRT certification training specifically in the safe application of this technique. Contraindications including active sinusitis, recent nasal surgery, polyps, and bleeding disorders are screened before every session. Serious adverse events are extremely rare when the technique is performed correctly by a certified practitioner.
Does NRT hurt?
It is uncomfortable but brief — most patients describe the sensation as intense pressure lasting 1–3 seconds, followed by immediate release. The majority of patients find it more tolerable than they expected. Patients who breathe out slowly through the mouth during the inflation consistently report better tolerance. Post-procedure nasal soreness is mild and typically resolves within 24 hours. The immediate relief many patients feel after the session is often striking enough that the brief discomfort of the procedure becomes immediately worth it.
How many NRT sessions will I need?
Most patients notice significant improvement after 1–3 sessions. For chronic conditions that have been present for years — long-standing sinus congestion, chronic headaches, post-concussion symptoms — a series of 6–10 sessions is typically recommended to restore full cranial mobility and achieve lasting results. Dr. Weber reassesses cranial mobility and symptom status at each session and adjusts the treatment plan accordingly.
I’ve had sinus surgery. Can I still receive NRT?
It depends on the type and extent of the surgery and how long ago it was performed. Patients who are fully healed from nasal or sinus surgery — typically at least 6 months post-procedure — can often receive NRT with appropriate modifications. Active sinus surgery within the last few months is a contraindication. Dr. Weber reviews your surgical history in detail before any session and may request surgical notes or clearance from your ENT surgeon before proceeding.
Can NRT help with my chronic sinusitis if medications haven’t worked?
Possibly — depending on whether the sinusitis has a structural mechanical component. Sinus medications reduce inflammation and combat infection, but they do nothing to restore the sphenoid mobility that regulates sinus drainage mechanics. If chronic sinusitis persists despite appropriate medical treatment, the possibility of a structural mechanical component is worth investigating. NRT restores sphenoid movement and opens the drainage pathways — patients with structurally driven sinus congestion often respond well when the mechanical component is addressed. NRT does not replace medical management of active bacterial sinusitis.
Is NRT the same as craniosacral therapy?
No — they share a theoretical foundation in craniosacral mechanics but are fundamentally different in their application. Craniosacral therapy uses very light external hand pressure to sense and influence cranial rhythm — it is a gentle, passive technique. NRT uses brief, directed nasal inflation to directly mobilize the cranial bones — particularly the sphenoid — producing a specific mechanical mobilization response that external pressure cannot achieve. NRT is more direct, more immediately impactful, and the only technique that provides true sphenoid mobilization without surgical access.

The skull has bones that move.
Let’s restore their function.

Book an NRT session with Dr. Weber — one of the only certified NRT practitioners in Northern Virginia. Available as a standalone service or integrated with CBP spinal correction for comprehensive structural care.

Book an NRT Session Call 703-447-1121

Is it safe to put a balloon inside my nose?

Yes — when performed by a trained, certified practitioner. The finger cot used in NRT is specifically sized for the nasal passage meatus and inflated to a controlled, brief pressure. The inflation is 1–3 seconds — not sustained pressure. Dr. Weber has received formal NRT certification training specifically in the safe application of this technique. Contraindications including active sinusitis, recent nasal surgery, polyps, and bleeding disorders are screened before every session. Serious adverse events are extremely rare when the technique is performed correctly by a certified practitioner.

Does NRT hurt?

It is uncomfortable but brief — most patients describe the sensation as intense pressure lasting 1–3 seconds, followed by immediate release. The majority of patients find it more tolerable than they expected. Patients who breathe out slowly through the mouth during the inflation consistently report better tolerance. Post-procedure nasal soreness is mild and typically resolves within 24 hours. The immediate relief many patients feel after the session is often striking enough that the brief discomfort of the procedure becomes immediately worth it.

How many NRT sessions will I need?

Most patients notice significant improvement after 1–3 sessions. For chronic conditions that have been present for years — long-standing sinus congestion, chronic headaches, post-concussion symptoms — a series of 6–10 sessions is typically recommended to restore full cranial mobility and achieve lasting results. Dr. Weber reassesses cranial mobility and symptom status at each session and adjusts the treatment plan accordingly.

I’ve had sinus surgery. Can I still receive NRT?

It depends on the type and extent of the surgery and how long ago it was performed. Patients who are fully healed from nasal or sinus surgery — typically at least 6 months post-procedure — can often receive NRT with appropriate modifications. Active sinus surgery within the last few months is a contraindication. Dr. Weber reviews your surgical history in detail before any session and may request surgical notes or clearance from your ENT surgeon before proceeding.

Can NRT help with my chronic sinusitis if medications haven’t worked?

Possibly — depending on whether the sinusitis has a structural mechanical component. Sinus medications reduce inflammation and combat infection, but they do nothing to restore the sphenoid mobility that regulates sinus drainage mechanics. If chronic sinusitis persists despite appropriate medical treatment, the possibility of a structural mechanical component is worth investigating. NRT restores sphenoid movement and opens the drainage pathways — patients with structurally driven sinus congestion often respond well when the mechanical component is addressed. NRT does not replace medical management of active bacterial sinusitis.

Is NRT the same as craniosacral therapy?

No — they share a theoretical foundation in craniosacral mechanics but are fundamentally different in their application. Craniosacral therapy uses very light external hand pressure to sense and influence cranial rhythm — it is a gentle, passive technique. NRT uses brief, directed nasal inflation to directly mobilize the cranial bones — particularly the sphenoid — producing a specific mechanical mobilization response that external pressure cannot achieve. NRT is more direct, more immediately impactful, and the only technique that provides true sphenoid mobilization without surgical access.

Nasal Release Technique uses a small balloon to mobilize cranial bones and open nasal passages, relieving sinus pressure, congestion, and related headaches.

Pre-treatment consultation

Your practitioner reviews your history of sinus congestion, headaches, or breathing difficulty and explains what to expect during the procedure.

Patient positioning

You are reclined with your head supported so nasal passages are accessible and the procedure can be performed comfortably.

Balloon insertion

A small deflated balloon on a flexible tube is gently guided into the nasal passage targeting the sphenopalatine area.

Brief inflation

The balloon is inflated for 2–3 seconds to mobilize cranial bones and open restricted nasal and sinus passages.

Post-treatment assessment

Breathing ease, sinus pressure, and headache symptoms are re-evaluated immediately after to gauge treatment response.