How Botox Can Help With Chronic Pain

Among the various options for pain management, Botox has become one of the most sought after treatments for handling pain. This minimally invasive treatment can give those with chronic pain a better form of managing their symptoms through blocking the nerve signals that control muscle activity. For tense, uncontrollable muscle contractions, botox has provided many people with the relief they need. This neuromuscular blocking agent comes with many benefits, and it’s all thanks to the cultivation of botulinum toxin.

What is Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by a form of bacteria called the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a type of bacteria that can cause a rare but severe illness. If the body consumed high amounts of this toxin, the bacteria attack the body’s nerves and cause difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and can lead to death. This illness is known as botulism, and it can be found in home-canned, preserved, or fermented foods. However, researchers have found that the toxin’s muscle controlling abilities can be diluted in safe forms, and in small quantities, can be used to help control muscle spasms.

How Do Physicians Use Botox?

Because of Botox’s ability to firm and control muscles, it was first known for its ability to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles throughout the face. In recent years, neurologists and pain management physicians have found that Botox can help chronic pain patients find relief for up to three months or longer by administering it directly into the area affected by pain. It can help patients suffering from many chronic pain conditions that generally would be treated with oral medication and surgery, including:

• Migraines: People who often experience chronic migraines often experience drowsiness, confusion, and ineffective pain management from the medications they’re prescribed. Those who use Botox often find that it can relieve their migraines significantly for months at a time.
• Cerebral Palsy: Botox’s primary effect is to control the muscles, and for those who have uncontrollable muscle spasms, the injection can help provide substantial relief.
• Fibromyalgia: While there aren’t currently any clinical trials showing that Botox can be used for treating fibromyalgia, some studies have shown that it can be used, especially for myofascial pain syndrome, which is often a symptom of fibromyalgia.
• Cervical dystonia: This condition responds well to Botox and can help relieve pain from the head and neck areas affected by the abnormal positions.

The Future of Botox

While there are currently only a few conditions that Botox can treat, it’s ever-expanding in new clinical trials. It has become one of the latest mainstream treatments to hit the medical industry. As other conditions are added to the list, Botox continues to be cultivated as a valuable source for pain management and relief for patients.

If you would like to learn more about Botox or learn about other ways of managing your chronic back and neck pain, then we would be happy to help! Contact Dr. Todd Bromberg at Delaware Valley Pain & Spine Institute in Chalfont, PA, to see how we can help treat your pain today!