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Aches

Headaches & Migranes

Botox for MIGRAINES: Studies in the treatment of migraine have shown a decrease in the incidence and severity of headaches for a period of 3 to 4 months after injection of Botox®, along with a reduction in the use of pain killers (Barrientos 2002; Mauskop 2002). Some people respond well after only a single treatment session, while others improve after repeated injections (Binder 2000; Silberstein 2000; Mathew 2002). Some physicians believe that Botox® may even change or halt the course of headaches (Mathew 2002).

Botox for TENSION HEADACHES: The efficacy of Botox® in the treatment of chronic tension headaches is under debate. Some studies suggest positive benefits (Relja 1998; Schulte-Mattler 1999; Smuts 1999; Freund 2000).  A recent study analyzed the results of 271 patients with chronic daily headaches, tension headaches, or migraines, and found that Botox® injections decreased the frequency of all headaches by more than a half(Blumenfeld 2003). Overall, 85.6% of study participants claimed their symptoms improved. Temporary eyelid or eyebrow drooping was each reported by three people; other side effects were minimal.

Backaches

Preliminary studies have suggested that, in patients who do not find relief from traditional pain medication, Botox® injections are safe and provide local relief of low back pain without systemic side effects (unlike central nervous system side effects seen with other more traditional pain treatments). In a small randomized trial of 31 adults with low back pain lasting longer than 6 months, 73% of participants who received injections reported significant pain relief after 3 weeks (Foster 2001). More studies—especially larger, randomized trials—are necessary to further evaluate the use of Botox®. Although there was initially concern that large doses repeatedly injected into the spinal muscles could lead to muscle weakness, this occurrence has not been noted in any studies (Difazio 2002; Wheeler 1998).

Medical Injections