What comes to mind when you hear somebody mention Botox®? Chances are, you know of the drug in the context of anti-aging procedures. Botox is derived from botulinum toxin and delivered safely by a medical professional. Cosmetically, Botox relaxes certain facial muscles. When these muscles don’t contract, they can’t form wrinkles in your skin.
However, Botox isn't only helpful as an anti-aging procedure. Botox treats serious or chronic problems in your head and neck. When you're facing migraine pain, jaw pain as a result of bruxism, neck tension, or a range of other issues, you can use Botox to resolve your symptoms. Therapeutic Botox treatment may even be able to help with the underlying cause of your condition.
At Alpenglow Pain & Wellness, board-certified interventional pain management physician Nichelle C. Renk, MD, provides expert care to patients with pain problems in and around Anchorage, Alaska. Here's what Dr. Renk wants you to know about the healing potential of Botox treatments for your head and neck pain.
Botox is FDA approved for use as a treatment for headache pain. Botox is a form of botulinum toxin, safely purified and used in such small doses that you don't need to worry about adverse health reactions. When you come in for a Botox treatment, Dr. Renk targets a Botox injection directly into the treatment area. Your appointment takes less than 15 minutes.
Botox prevents nerve endings from communicating with your brain, ending your sensations of pain and letting you relax. After injections of Botox, the neighboring muscles around the treatment area experience a relaxing effect.
If you experience chronic pain or tension in your head or neck areas, Botox can be beneficial in relieving pain and soothing symptoms. You don't need to worry about side effects, recovery time, or drug interactions with therapeutic Botox as these are very rare and minimal.
The effects of Botox can last for several months. Then, if Botox has succeeded in helping you to control your migraines or other head or neck condition, Dr. Renk will likely suggest that you schedule repeating treatment sessions, spaced about 12 weeks apart.
Studies show promise for Botox as an effective treatment for a range of head and neck pain concerns. You may benefit from Botox treatment if you have these or perhaps other conditions:
To find out more about how Botox therapy could help you resolve your head or neck problems for good, get in touch with Dr. Renk at Alpenglow Pain & Wellness at her office in Anchorage, Alaska, right away.
To schedule your initial consultation appointment, just call 907-313-2976. You can also send Dr. Renk and the team a message here on the website.
