Botox

Botox® is a popular treatment for erasing wrinkles, but it’s also a powerful tool for patients suffering from chronic neck pain and migraines. The board-certified physicians at Commonwealth Pain & Spine provide Botox injections to treat headaches and neck pain. Call the office nearest you to schedule your Botox consultation today. Commonwealth Pain & Spine has locations throughout  Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.

What is Botox?

Botox is a medication that contains a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin that comes from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.

When injected in small amounts into specific areas, the Botox temporarily stops the transmission of nerve signals from the injection site to the brain.

For wrinkles, the injections temporarily stop the repetitive folding of the skin that creates lines and creases in the skin. Botox works in a similar way on headaches and neck pain, relaxing the muscle tension that causes pain.

Researchers think that when used against migraines, Botox stops the transmission of pain signals to the brain, easing head pain. Studies into the way Botox works against pain continue.

 

Am I a candidate for Botox?

The team at Commonwealth Pain & Spine takes a personalized approach to care and determines if you’re a candidate for Botox after a consultation. They may suggest Botox to treat:

• Chronic tension headaches
• Chronic migraines
• Neck pain
• Facial pain
• Cervical dystonia (involuntary neck muscle contractions)
• Neck stiffness and spasms

However, your physician may only recommend Botox if other less invasive treatments — like oral medication and physical therapy ― fail to provide relief.

Botox is often an alternative for people who rely on pain medication to get relief from their head or neck pain. These injections work directly on the site responsible for the pain, reducing your reliance on painkilling drugs.

 

What happens during Botox injections?

Your physician customizes your Botox injections based on your diagnosis and the placement of the medication.

They inject Botox directly into the muscle responsible for your pain. It can take up to a week to realize its full effect. Your physician could then refer you to physical therapy to stretch and relax the muscle, prolonging the benefits of the Botox.

How long does Botox last?

Botox provides temporary relief from headaches and neck pain and can last three to six months. Commonwealth Pain & Spine recommends repeating your injections when needed for continued pain relief.

In some cases, patients might only need a few Botox injections to get long-term relief.

 

Call Commonwealth Pain & Spine today or schedule your Botox consultation online to learn how the injections can ease your headaches or neck pain.