Botox is a cosmetic injectable that is used to treat many different clinical disorders. It produces temporary skeletal muscle relaxation and is renowned for its pain-relieving effects. It reduces the muscular hyperactivity within the body and blocks nerve impulses to relax the contraction of the muscles.

Traditionally used to correct wrinkles and fine lines, many pain specialists have discovered that small amounts of Botox can also relax painful muscle spasms. Where standard pain-relief injections numb a muscle for only three days, Botox can work for months without any visible side-effects. But despite this, the FDA has not yet approved the use of Botox for pain relief.

The Botox Treatment

Before any Botox is injected, your doctor will first clean the target treatment area. Topical anesthesia may be applied onto the surface of the skin for those who request it. A minimum of two areas that fall within the targeted region are injected with the botulinum toxin.

In case of a larger treatment area, more injections may be administered. Aspirin, Ibuprofen and other such anti-inflammatory drugs should be discontinued for at least two weeks from when the Botox injections are to be taken.

The toxin prevents the transmission of signals from the nerves that regulate muscle movement and this is what causes the temporary relaxation of the targeted muscles. The effects of the treatment can kick in immediately after the injections or may take three to ten days to be felt. These effects have been reported to be experienced for up to three to six months.

Individuals who have chronic headaches and similar problems are known to take Botox injections every two to three months. Chronic conditions require several doses of the toxin to be administered in several areas for it to have an effect.

The History of the Treatment

Originally used to treat blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking), neck spasms and, lazy eyes – Botox is now used to treat many different conditions. The most popular use for Botox is to eliminate the signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.

Botox is also useful for treating muscle contractions and lower back pain. Individuals suffering from headaches or migraines for more than four hours at a stretch and for more than 15 days in a month are recommended to take Botox injections to treat their condition.

Patients usually report a dramatic decline in the pain felt. However, a range of injections must be administered in a handful of places all over the head for the treatment to show any result. The process has to be repeated every two to three months.

Botox is also beneficial in the treatment of cervical dystonia and focal limb dystonia or sustained hand cramp. Cervical dystonia forces the muscles of the neck and shoulder to contract involuntarily, resulting in painful and abnormal twists. Focal limb dystonia dramatically restricts hand movement and may affect the wrist, finger, and elbow muscles.

Muscle contractions from stroke-induced paralysis and cerebral palsy also benefit from Botox injections as this helps treat the constricted muscles. It also helps relieve muscle tension and pain in the lower back making it an effective cure for lower-back pain.

Contact Our Office

If you have questions about the Botox cosmetic and its uses, contact Patel Eye Associates today. During a consultation, you can ask any of the questions you have about the treatment and receive guidance throughout the entire process.