Botox injections for pain control can make a difference in people with certain chronic afflictions. While not everyone suffering from chronic pain will benefit from Botox injections, for those that meet certain criteria, this approach can help them live more comfortably.

How It Works
The botulinum toxin is injected into the muscle and tissue of the affected area. The muscle causing the pain is relaxed. The injection blocks the nerves in the muscles and allows them to completely relax. When the neurotransmitters are blocked, there is no muscle contraction—this means that there is no pain. The treatment lasts for around four months; as the muscles return to their former state, pain returns. However, patients can have further injections for continued pain relief. Many studies show that the returning pain is reduced because the muscles have been conditioned to relax more quickly when stressed.

Who Qualifies?
Those who suffer from back pain, facial nerve pains or neck pains are good candidates for Botox injections. There have even been several clinical studies that use Botox for migraine headache treatment. Other studies are examining whether Botox can help alleviate pain associated with such conditions as fibromyalgia, diabetic foot pain and certain types of cervical pain. Botox cannot be used for muscles that must move, such as legs or arms. A doctor can provide the best analysis of each individual case as to the exact methods of treatment. Patients who currently have neurological diseases, are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Botox injections.

Side Effects
Most people will experience no side effects, but there is a chance of an allergic reaction for some people. Other side effects may include slight bruising or increased numbness outside the treatment area. Headaches are also a possible side effect, although they are fairly rare. Another rare scenario may occur if the doctor doesn’t get the injection precisely where it needs to go, and nearby muscles are affected that shouldn’t be. An example of this would be a neck injection that also affects the vocal chords.