Botox is famous for its cosmetic use to smoothen wrinkles and fine lines. But many people aren’t aware that it can also alleviate the symptoms of a very common and painful issue.
If you suffer from tension headaches or chronic migraines caused by muscle tension or spasms, Botox can drastically reduce the number of episodes per month. With regular treatment, you can enjoy more pain-free days.
How does it work?
Botox temporarily blocks the signals between your nerves and your muscles. This keeps the affected muscles from contracting. When Botox is administered to specific facial muscles, it reduces the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines around the eyes and mouth. Botox also has an added medical benefit for chronic migraine sufferers, as it can reduce the severity and occurrence of migraines when injected into specific muscles of the neck and jaw.
Frequent, long-lasting chronic migraines are often caused by muscle tension or contractions. With regular Botox injections every 12 weeks, the muscles causing the condition will remain relaxed. Treatment may not completely stop them from happening, but regular injections can lead to less tension, less pain, and a future with fewer migraines.
Is Botox right for me?
As with any other medical procedure, it all depends on your particular needs. Depending on the frequency and intensity of your migraines, regular Botox injections may help reduce pain and frequency.
Less than 10% of people who underwent a clinical trial of Botox for migraines experienced negative symptoms. The most common side effect was neck pain around the injection sites, which most patients reported as mild and easily resolved. Some even rarer side effects include headaches, slight facial paralysis, drooping eyelids, and muscle weakness. In the hands of someone like Dr. Wes, who is certified to administer Botox, you should experience little or no side effects.
One of the biggest drawbacks for many people is the waiting period, since you would have to undergo the injections about once every 12 weeks for a 6-9 month period. It takes some time for your head and neck muscles to “remember” how to relax by loosening naturally instead of tensing up and contracting.
The adjustment period may seem frustrating at times, especially for patients with frequent migraines, but it is often worth the wait. As a result, Botox can be a more effective treatment than painkillers, with fewer risks, as regular treatment can ease the symptoms for months at a time. Even better, the injections are quick and convenient, with appointments often taking less time than the average lunch break!
Where can I learn more?
If you are interested in learning more about Botox for the treatment of migraines, we’re here to help. Chronic debilitating pain shouldn’t keep you from living a full and healthy life. We can help to alleviate that pain through treatments in our relaxing, spa-like atmosphere.
My Family Dentistry prides itself on customer care. We treat Botox just as seriously as dental care, and we would be happy to help you figure out whether it’s right for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment today!
(This post was originally published in 2016 and has since been updated.)
Dr. Wesley Mullins
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