Botox for Back Pain

Botox for back pain is yet another use of this amazing poisonous substance. Botox (botulinum toxin, botulism toxin) is the common name for the protein toxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This toxin is highly diluted for medical usage. Botulism toxin has been used for many procedures, including wrinkle and sweat reduction, headache treatment and muscle spasm relief. Botulism toxin is the same compound that causes food poisoning and can be fatal in large doses.

Botox for Back Pain

How Does Botox for Back Pain Work?

Botox breaks down a protein that allows neurons to release acetylcholine. This prevents the nerves from signaling properly and causes muscle paralysis. When the nerves cannot communicate with the muscles, the pain signals cannot get passed along to the brain. Muscle spasms and muscle pain will fade�

Botox for Back Pain Treatment

Botulism toxin is injected directly into the muscles in the painful area of the back. The effects of the toxin are muscle relaxation and spasm reduction. Usually Botox is injected into several muscles, through a series of injections. The effects of the treatment are almost immediate and the relief will last between 3 to 6 months. The treatment has a positive effect in 50% to 60% of back pain patients.

Risks of Botulinum Toxin for Back Pain

Botox is a poison. Of course, it is used in a highly diluted form for medical treatments. Pregnant woman should never use Botox. Some people are allergic and can have a serious reaction to Botox treatment. Botox will weaken the muscles it is injected into for as long as it�s effects last. Some people even experience complete muscle paralysis. If Botox gets into the blood stream, it can cause serious health conditions or even death. There is also the chance of infection at the injection site.

Recommendation on Botox for Back Pain

The majority of unresolved chronic back pain is muscular. For chronic muscular back pain, Botox seems like a logical choice. There are very few risks or side effects if the doctor is proficient in Botox treatments. The patient might suffer reduced muscle strength, but will also have less pain. There is always the chance that Botox causes a placebo reaction. Botox is probably not a good choice for back pain that comes from non-muscular causes. If you are suffering from serious muscular back pain, Botox might just be worth your consideration as a symptomatic treatment option.

Botox for Back Pain to Lower Back Pain Home page 7/18/06 Revised 5/26/08