The Healthy You Is the Better You

Posted on: 14 August 2020

Have you tried all of the classic treatments for lower back pain, but to no avail? You're not alone. While options like chiropractic care, massage, and over-the-counter pain relievers work wonders for some, they do not work for everyone. If you're still hurting, then you may want to look into another alternative: Botox. Yes, these injections, which were originally intended to fill wrinkles and correct sagging skin, are showing promise as a remedy for lower back pain. Here's a closer look.

How does Botox relieve back pain?

Botox works by paralyzing the muscles. This is how it makes skin look fuller — by paralyzing the muscles beneath that skin. Many cases of lower back pain are due to muscle spasms, and injecting Botox into the muscles that are creating spasms can cause them to relax and stop this behavior. As the muscles stop contracting, the lower back pain eases away.

How many injections do you need?

This depends on the severity and location of the muscle spams you are experiencing. If you are only experiencing spams in a small area, your practitioner will probably only use a few injections in that particular area. If your back pain is more widespread, you may need multiple Botox injections. Keep in mind, though, that these injections are tiny and are made with a tiny needle. Getting 20 or 30 Botox injections is nothing like getting 20 or 30 tetanus shots! The procedure is relatively painless regardless of the number of injections you get.

How long do Botox injections last?

This depends on the patient, but most people get at least 3 months' relief from back pain after a series of injections. When you feel the injections wearing off, you simply make another appointment with your doctor.

Are there risks associated with Botox injections for back pain?

Botox has been on the market for quite a while and is widely known to be safe. There is a small risk of infection, as there is with any procedure that pierces the skin. There is also a small risk of the toxin contained in the injections migrating to a different area and paralyzing a muscle in that area. This is not a major concern since the muscle will still likely be in your back and the effects will subside in a few months.

Talk to your doctor about Botox injections for back pain. It's an innovative treatment worth exploring.