What are Botox Injections for Migraines, Neck Pain and Spasticity?
Mention the word “Botox” and most people think of its use in the world of aesthetics for beauty/wrinkle treatment; now, however, the medical community is utilizing the same science to treat pain. The active substance in Botox injections is botulism toxin A, which is created by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. C. botulinum is a common bacterium found in nauture in the soil. Doctors are now harnessing the power of the active ingredient of the outline toxin by administering shots to selected muscles that are responsible for pain or spasticity (spasm) to weaken these overactive muscles. The effect is to allow for greater range of motion in places like the neck or limbs, decrease pain and increase function. Botox injections are temporary in nature and work best when combined with other treatments, such as physical therapy. Some of the conditions that medical Botox can treat include chronic migraine headaches, spasticity (an exaggerated muscle tightness sometimes seen after stroke, spinal cord injury or brain injury that can lead to pain and contracture), and cervical dystonia (painful tightness of neck muscles leading to abnormal neck position, posture and affecting day to day activities).

What is the procedure for Botox Injections?
Botox injections only take a short amount of time. The amount of Botox injected per session and the number of treatments are based on the type and severity of the condition, but Botox injections should not be administered more frequently than ninety days from the previous injection. The botulinum toxin is combined with preservative-free sodium chloride (saline) to reconstitute the Botox in a liquid solution and provide a medium by which the medication can spread out to reach the target areas. Then the injection spots are carefully chosen by the doctor to avoid weakening the wrong muscles or causing any avoidable side effects.

Why choose Botox Injections?
Botox has been on the rise with over six million treatments a year for a number of conditions; more and more patients who suffer from chronic migraine headaches are finding it to be an easily tolerated, effective treatment that allows many of them to limit or get off of expensive medications that carry unwanted side effects. Only a small amount of Botox is typically needed for each treatment. Botox injections have proven to be helpful in aiding in treating various conditions where other techniques (e.g. massage, physical or occupational therapy, medications) may have failed. By using Botox  injections under an experienced physician’s guidance, patients are better able to paricipate and get better results from physical therapy and exercise programs, and are better able to live their every day lives without constant pain or dysfunction.