21 Jul Is Botox Really Effective for Myofascial Pain?

Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition that is characterized by decreased range of motion, localized pain, and muscle tenderness. Though myofascial pain generally occurs in the head, neck, arms, and legs, it can impact any muscle group. Myofascial pain isn’t life threatening, but its intensity can impact quality of life, the ability to work, and daily mood.

Because the exact cause of myofascial pain is currently unknown, there isn’t a specific test to diagnose it. Rather, the syndrome is diagnosed based on multiple sore spots, called trigger points, in the muscles. Trigger points are areas where the muscle is unusually tight or sore. When the myofascia, the film that wraps around the muscles to create their unique shape, is damaged, trigger points develop.

Myofascial pain affects individuals between 20 and 40 years of age most often. In general, people who suffer from myofascial pain have sedentary jobs or lifestyles that create continuous pressure on the muscle, emotional stress, and joint problems.

Does Botox Solve Myofascial Pain?

In recent years, Botox has become a popular solution to solve myofascial pain, but is this an effective procedure or just a medical health fad? New research shows that Botox is incredibly helpful in alleviating myofascial pain, as it provides support to areas where the myofascia may have been compromised. Research conducted at the University of California reveals that patients with Botox injections experienced more pain relief than those given the placebo. Botox treatments also reduced the number of headaches associated with pain and allowed individuals to return to their normal lifestyle.

Botox injections were most effective in the neck and shoulder area. Botulinum toxin type A is now medically and scientifically proven to create significant improvement for those suffering from myofascial pain. Aside from Botox, individuals can also alleviate pain through:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs. These provide temporary pain relief, lasting up to 12 hours at most. The biggest downside is that they must be taken consistently for pain relief and do not address the source of pain.
• Heat therapy. Applying heat to the area suffering from pain increases blood flow and relaxes the muscles. This helps alleviate pain and provides comfort. Some effective sources of heat include warm showers, moist towels heated in the microwave, and hand warmers.

Though effective, these solutions don’t provide the same relief and comfort as Botox treatments. However, Botox isn’t right for everyone. It’s time to consult with your healthcare provider and invest in a new, personalized approach to pain management.