How does Botox prevent Muscle Spasms?
Botox is created from bacteria – the same bacteria that can block nerve activity in the muscles. Therefore, it can be used to treat muscle spasms by a simple injection to the area that is causing muscle spasms. By releasing Botox into the body, it will act as an antagonist – blocking the release of chemicals that are in charge of muscle contraction.
For the majority of people, treatment can take a week – however, be prepared for it to take longer. Each person is different and depends on the healing speed of your body.
Although Botox has been proven to reduce symptoms and provide relief, it can actually just weaken the severity of the spasms rather than healing them. The injections must be renewed every 16-20 weeks however it is advised to speak to a professional every 12 weeks as a general check-up.
No, it may take a couple of injections for your body to get used to them. If a certain muscle is in spasm, it may take a couple of attempts to pinpoint the exact muscle that is causing the distress.
However, once pinpointing the muscle, Botox will cause the muscle to relax and the involuntary muscle contractions to stop.
Botox also is known for treating migraines as well as muscle spasms. This is because of its ability to block nerves can limit the communications in the brain that causes a severe migraine. There is a significant correlation between Botox and the cure for migraines, however, doesn’t appear to work for any other headache type.
Researchers have recommended that you should only be using Botox if you are having headaches consistently (for example, 12 or more days every month – with most headaches feeling like a migraine.)
To reduce symptoms of a chronic migraine, injections need to be taken every 10-12 weeks. It often takes around 6 months for symptoms to completely disappear and from that point, you can assess any side effects and how your body is reacting to the injections.
Side Effects from Botox as treatment can be significant. In some extreme cases, patients have experienced difficulties with swallowing any substance (food and drink) and others have experienced their eyelids hanging down low, issues speaking, blurry vision, weakening of muscles and over-productive tear ducts.
However, in less extreme cases, patients have experienced neck and back pain.