Does anyone in Hollywood really need to look surprised? The formulaic parade of superheroes, sequels and reboots should not trigger much of a facial response at all. One other thing that has not changed at all is the town’s aversion to lines and wrinkles. That is why BOTOX® injections are everyone’s best friend in Tinseltown. Temporary facial paralysis is considered a fair trade for a youthful appearance in the business. Only one rather significant problem has arisen from the industry’s relentless publicity machine. Our obsession with the lifestyles of the rich and famous has forged a permanent bond of association between BOTOX® and its cosmetic applications. Very few Americans are aware that BOTOX® can be used to relieve such conditions as chronic pain, spasticity and even cerebral palsy. Not all BOTOX® treatments have been FDA approved but have no fear because our care management professionals can guide you.
BOTOX® Relieves Chronic Pain
- Headaches
Did you know that BOTOX® has been approved by the FDA to treat migraines since 2010? It can prevent the recurrence of that most vile of headaches for up to three months. Neurologists have even discovered that BOTOX® can even help with a much lesser known headache caused by an internal leak of spinal fluid, known as a CSF headache, or low cerebrospinal fluid headache.
- Arthritis
Joint pain sufferers should also be reading up on BOTOX®. Data already exists that shows the drug relieving shoulder, knee and hip pain. All three types of pain are known to be caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
- Back and Neck Pain
In general, BOTOX® has successfully been used to treat chronic pain since as early as 2001. Much like its results with headaches, the drug proves to be effective for approximately three months. Efforts to prove its more specific application to lower back pain or sciatica have not proven to be significantly more successful than the results of other treatments such as acupuncture or steroids; however, neck pain and spasms may respond to this type of treatment.
- Nerve Pain
Diabetics are known to suffer from something called neuropathy, a nerve pain affecting the hands, feet and legs. According to a study in the journal Neurology, 44 percent of patients suffering from neuropathy felt relief after receiving BOTOX® injections. Those patients can also rest easier, literally, as neuropathy is also known to cause sleep disturbance.
BOTOX® Relieves Spasticity
Spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and brain trauma are all associated with a side effect known as spasticity. Any of the aforementioned conditions can lead to paralysis. Paralysis triggers spasticity, which is characterized by mild muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, and unmanageable leg movements. All of these symptoms and those similar to them stem from damage caused to the part of the brain that controls voluntary movement. BOTOX is often used in the treatment of spasticity.
BOTOX® treatment for Cerebral Palsy
Pediatric specialists are well aware of the use of BOTOX® in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy. The disease not only impacts voluntary movement but balance and posture as well. Mild to severe forms of paralysis or spasticity begins to appear in early childhood. BOTOX® treatment is used to reduce the muscle tone however, it should be noted its use is not recommended until at least the age of 12 or when the body has reached some level of maturity.
Ask about BOTOX®
While the first type of chronic pain we mention is the simple migraine, it should be clear that the rest of the conditions relieved by BOTOX® are related to both pain relief and muscle spasms. You should absolutely consult with professionals to determine if this type of treatment is an option for you. If you are working with a case manager, he or she can help you in determining whether this is an avenue to explore to assist with pain relief or treatment.