When you hear Botox you likely think of wrinkles. Therapeutic Botox is different — while Cosmetic Botox gained notoriety in the early 2000s, Therapeutic Botox is in its relative infancy and new uses are still being uncovered. Therapeutic Botox is the use of Botox injections to treat a wide range of ailments from Chronic Migraines to Excessive Sweating. We at Progressive Pain & Rehabilitation are experts at determining whether Therapeutic Botox is right for you.
What is Botox?
Botox injections use the toxin onobotulinumtoxinA to temporarily deaden a muscle. While there are now other drugs derived from the botulinum toxin, Botox was the first and most commonly used. Although its effects are short-lived, Botox stands out as one of the most powerful naturally occurring toxins. Originally used in the early 1980s to treat strabismus, its uses have evolved as our understanding of the toxin and its safety risks have grown. Today Botox is used to treat a wide array of ailments.
Why Use Therapeutic Botox?
In short, Botox temporarily blocks certain chemical signals from the nerves that cause muscles to contract. This can reduce pain, relieve tension, and eliminate spasms when administered correctly.
Chronic Migraines
Migraines are often linked to environmental factors like stress or shock, and can also be caused by physical overexertion, bad posture, and lack of sleep. In treating migraines with Botox, we first make sure you are a good candidate for the treatment — typically, you need to have a history of migraines and experience them over 15 days a month. The treatment consists of several shots around the head and neck area to dull or eliminate migraine pain. Botox works for migraines by blocking or dulling pain transmission from your brain to your body.
Spasmodic Torticollis
Spasmodic Torticollis, sometimes called cervical dystonia, is the involuntary and often painful contraction of the muscles in your neck causing your head to twist to one side or the other. While in most people the cause is unknown, it can be linked to neck, head, and shoulder injuries. As with wrinkles, Botox is used to relax the contracting muscles, providing relief for those suffering from Spasmodic Torticollis.
Risks
Don't let the fact that Botox is a toxin keep you from seeking treatment. We at Progressive Pain & Rehabilitation are experienced in determining whether Botox is right for you and at developing the correct treatment plan. Botox is relatively safe when administered by a licensed physician. Contact us today to find out if Botox is right for you.
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