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While most people think about Botox being used for eliminating wrinkles of the face, our physicians at Remedy Pain Solutions are trained in administering Botox for the treatment of several pain-causing disorders rather than simply for cosmetic purposes.

What is Botox?

Botox injections use a toxin called OnabotulinumtoxinA to temporarily prevent a muscle from moving. This toxin is produced by the microbe that causes botulinum, a type of food poisoning. It achieves its effect by blocking certain chemical signals from nerves, mostly signals which tell the muscles to contract. This toxin is safe when administered in small doses, with the most common use of these injections being to temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes.

What is Botox used for?

While the most common use for Botox injections is to reduce facial wrinkles, several other uses exist to improve other health issues. Botox may be used for:

  • Migraine headaches
  • Cervical dystonia
  • Pelvic pain
  • Foot pain
  • Overactive bladder
  • Excessive sweating
  • Crooked eyes (strabismus)
  • Eyelid muscle spasms
  • Upper limb spasticity
  • TMJ disorder
  • Voice disorders
  • Teeth grinding
  • Facial tics

Are there other types of Botox?

There are four variants of Botox available as injectable solutions. Each of these are slightly different in both usage and dosing units, so they are not interchangeable. The four medications are:

  • OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)
  • AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport)
  • RimabotulinumtoxinB (Myobloc)
  • IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin)

What are the risks of Botox injections?

  • Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site
  • Headache or flu-like symptoms
  • Droopy eyelid or eyebrows
  • Crooked smile or drooling
  • Eye dryness or excessive tearing

What should I expect during/after a Botox injection?

Botox injections are performed at a doctor’s office, such as Remedy Pain Solutions. Your doctor will use a very thin needle to inject tiny amounts of Botox into your skin and muscles. The number of injections needed depends on several factors, including which body part is being treated. Most patients tolerate the injections very well without much discomfort at all. After the procedure, patients should avoid rubbing the injection sites for 24 hours to keep the medication from spreading to a different area than those injected. Patients can return to normal activities right after the procedure. Relief may begin one to three days after the injection and typically lasts three months or longer. Repeat injections are helpful to maintain the effect.

If you or someone you know is suffering with any of the conditions mentioned above, or are interested in speaking to a physician about Botox injections, contact us at Remedy Pain Solutions today.

Contact Us 310-482-6906