Botox in Beverly Hills
Botox injections are a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment option that provides relief from pain by relaxing the muscles. Although Botox is well-known as a cosmetic treatment, it has been shown to be both safe and effective in reducing pain and increasing function for patients suffering from spasticity (severe muscle spasms) and chronic refractory migraine headaches.
What is Botox?
Botulinum toxin or “Botox” is a purified protein that is obtained from the bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum. When the botulinum toxin is injected into the target muscle, it temporarily turns off the nerve that makes that muscle contract. This causes the muscle to remain in a relaxed state. This state of relaxation of the muscle typically lasts 3-4 months, but varies from person to person. Once the muscle is relaxed, the pain and strain from the muscle itself and surrounding tissue (muscles, joints and nerves) can be alleviated.
Who is the right candidate for Botox?
Botox is suitable for the management of pains where muscle tenderness and spasm are clearly definable. This is why it’s primarily used in the regions of the head, back, and neck. It is also a highly effective treatment for patients with chronic and severe migraine headaches that have failed to respond to traditional treatments. However, there are individual factors that may affect your eligibility for the treatment.
What To Expect
The doctor will perform a thorough history and physical exam, and determine which affected muscles will be injected. During the in-office procedure, the skin overlaying the muscle is disinfected and a thin needle is used to inject the medication into the target muscle with minimal pain. Once injected, the Botulinum toxin binds to the nerve-muscle junction, which effectively blocks the nerve signals responsible for muscle contraction. The target muscles relax, reducing their response to nerve stimulation. You may see results in as early as 3-5 days but often it takes 1-2 weeks for the full results to be seen. The muscle relaxation and pain relief typically last 3-4 months, but varies from person to person.
Keep in mind that Botox injections can stop or significantly reduce muscle spasm, which helps to reduce pain. However, the treatment is not often curative, and repeated injections may be necessary.
At Orthopedic Pain Institute, we will develop a highly specialized plan to treat your individualized needs. Schedule your consultation to learn more about how Botox injections can help you.