Botox for Neck Pain , Migraines

Botox® is a popular treatment for erasing wrinkles, but it’s also a powerful tool for patients suffering from chronic neck pain and migraines. Board-certified interventional spine and pain management and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician Andrew Morchower, MD, MPH, provides Botox injections to treat headaches and neck pain. Call OmniSpine Pain Management in Frisco or Mesquite, Texas, today, or schedule your Botox consultation online.

What is Botox?

Botox is a medication that contains a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin that comes from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.

When injected in small amounts into specific areas, the Botox temporarily stops the transmission of nerve signals from the injection site to the brain.

For wrinkles, the injections temporarily stop the repetitive folding of the skin that creates lines and creases in the skin. Botox works in a similar way on headaches and neck pain, relaxing the muscle tension that causes pain.

Researchers think that when used against migraines, Botox stops the transmission of pain signals to the brain, easing head pain. Studies into the way Botox works against pain continue.

Am I a candidate for Botox?

Dr. Morchower takes a personalized approach to care and determines if you’re a candidate for Botox after a consultation. He uses the innovative pain injection to treat:

• Chronic tension headaches
• Chronic migraines
• Neck pain
• Facial pain
• Cervical dystonia (involuntary neck muscle contractions)
• Neck stiffness and spasms

However, he may only recommend Botox if other less invasive treatments — like oral medication and physical therapy ― fail to provide relief.

For headaches and migraines, Dr. Morchower only gives Botox to patients who have 15 or more headaches a month (definition of chronic headaches and migraines).

Dr. Morchowere considers Botox an excellent alternative for people who rely on pain medication to get relief from their head or neck pain. These injections work directly on the site responsible for the pain, reducing your reliance on painkilling drugs.

What happens during Botox injections?

Dr. Morchower customizes your Botox injections based on your diagnosis and the placement of the medication.

He injects Botox directly into the muscle responsible for your pain. It can take up to a week to realize its full effect. Dr. Morchower could then refer you to physical therapy to stretch and relax the muscle, prolonging the benefits of the Botox.

How long does Botox last?

Botox provides temporary relief from headaches and neck pain and can last three to six months. Dr. Morchower recommends repeating your injections when needed for continued pain relief.

In some cases, patients might only need a few Botox injections to get long-term relief.

Call OmniSpine Pain Management today or schedule your Botox consultation online to learn how the injections can ease your headaches or neck pain.