Botox is famous for its cosmetic use to smoothen wrinkles and fine lines, but what many people aren’t aware of is the fact that it can also be used medically to help alleviate the symptoms of a very common and painful issue.
If you suffer from tension headaches or chronic migraines caused by muscle tension or muscle spasms, Botox can drastically reduce the number of episodes per month so you can enjoy more pain-free days.
How does it work?
When injected into the muscles, Botox temporarily blocks the signals between your nerves and your muscles, which keeps the affected muscles from contracting. When Botox is injected around the face, it reduces the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines around the eyes and mouth by relaxing the surrounding facial muscles. When it is instead injected into specific muscles along the neck and side of the head, the result is reduced pain from chronic migraines, and a reduced number of migraines per month.
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, your local medical professional (or Botox-trained dentist) may recommend regular Botox injections to 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. To give Botox a fair trial, you will 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, how to loosen naturally instead of tensing up and contracting.
The adjustment period may seem frustrating at times, especially for patients with frequent migraines, but the wait it often worth it. When administered regularly, Botox can be a more effective treatment than painkillers, with fewer risks. Due to its long-lasting effect, it can ease these symptoms for months at a time, which explains why so many patients turn to Botox for headache relief over other treatments. It certainly helps that actually injecting the Botox is so quick and convenient. Many times, Botox appointments take 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, or you want to ask an experienced, knowledgeable medical professional whether Botox is right for you, we’re here to help. Migraines shouldn’t be debilitating and you shouldn’t have to skip out on spending time with family and friends due to chronic pain. 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!
Dr. Wesley Mullins
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