Most people have heard of the use of Botox for aesthetic purposes. It is made from botulinum toxin and occasionally gets a stigma for causing botulism, but when it is used for clinical purposes, the substance is purified to eliminate bacteria and other contaminants.

The result is Botox, a type of common and popular derma-filler that can smooth out wrinkles and fine lines in the face and neck to make a person look younger.

However, it is also used to treat a number of medical conditions as well. This is known as therapeutic Botox and it can help to ease the pain of three specific conditions.

1. Botox For Chronic Migraine Treatment

Botox for the treatment of chronic migraines was approved in 2010. It has been proven effective in alleviating the pain of migraine headaches for individuals who have a history of migraines and who experience them for 15 or more days per month.

Botox can reduce the number of headaches a migraine sufferer experiences or even eliminate them, leaving the person free of pain.

Doctors believe that Botox blocks neurotransmitters in the brain that carry pain signals, which can bring patients relief from chronic migraines.

Treatment is administered in the form of several shots around the head and neck once every 12 weeks. In total, a patient might require 30 to 40 shots in equal numbers to either side of their head.

If a person experiences more migraine pain in one particular area, they may get additional shots in that area. Results are usually seen within two to three weeks.

2. Botox For TMJ Disorder Treatment

Botox is also used to treat the pain of TMJ disorder. Temporomandibular joint disorder occurs when there is a problem with the jaw and surrounding muscles in the face.

It results in an improper alignment of the jaw and can include a popping sound when chewing or talking and pain in the jaw area.

People with TMJ also frequently experience headaches, earaches and pressure behind the eyes.

Botox injections in the face and jaw can relieve the pain and other symptoms associated with the condition, including spasms.

In addition, over time and with treatment, the individual can see an improvement in their joint alignment and function as well as in the muscles.

3. Botox For Spasmodic Torticollis/Cervical Dystonia Treatment

Spasmodic torticollis is a chronic neurological movement disorder that is extremely painful. It causes the neck to turn to the left, right, upwards and downwards with involuntary movements.

Also known as cervical dystonia, the condition develops after a person has contracted another disease or disorder and usually strikes during the middle of one’s life.

Botox is a popular treatment for the pain associated with spasmodic torticollis. Injections administered to the neck area regularly and repeated approximately every three to four months can help to ease the pain of the disorder.

The doctor may also suggest another oral medication be taken to ease the muscles, which can also reduce the frequency of Botox treatments.

Contact AZ-TMJ Today

If you or a loved one have any of these three medical conditions, you don’t have to suffer from pain any longer.

Call 480-945-3629 today to schedule an initial consultation, and to finally put an end to the chronic pain.