Botox for Back Pain

According to the Pain Clinic Organization, Botox is a safe treatment method for severe muscle spasms and the back pain caused by them. The safety and effectiveness of Botox has been extensively evaluated in more than 200 different studies for moderate to severe muscle-related back pain. According to Spine Universe, in 1989, Botox was FDA-approved as a treatment method for the severe muscle contractions that occur due to a medical condition called cervical dystonia. Botox has not been FDA-approved for general or mild muscle pain, but some doctors will use Botox for back pain for patients that experience the pain of moderate to severe muscle spasms.

• Botox for Back Pain

Uses

• When using Botox for back pain, it is injected directly into the patient's muscle to alleviate muscle spasms. According to Spine Universe, Botox is capable of alleviating muscle spasms because it relaxes the muscles. Botox is most beneficial in relieving chronic, disabling muscle spasm-related back pain that is caused by tension. According to the Pain Clinic Organization, most patients will need to have Botox injections four times a year in order to maintain their results.

  After about 3 months, the effects often wear off and the muscles can become overactive again, resulting in painful muscle spasms. The Pain Clinic Organization states that patients can continue to have Botox injections for as long as they need them, provided they continue to have a positive response.

Function

• According to Spine Universe, Botox can help relieve muscle spasms and the back pain associated with muscle spasms by blocking the neurotransmitters that relay the messages that tell a muscle or group of muscles to contract. When these neurotransmitters are unable to relay these messages, the muscles will not contract. This leads to muscle spasms not occurring--and no muscle spasms means no back pain.

Common Side Effects

• When using Botox for back pain, side effects can occur. The common side effects of Botox generally go away after a short while, but if they are particularly bothersome or persist, the patient should contact their doctor. According to Drugs.com, the common side effects of Botox for back pain may include anxiety, muscle weakness at the injection site, back pain, upset stomach, dizziness, sweating, drowsiness, light sensitivity, dry eyes, runny nose, dry mouth, injection site tenderness, flu-like symptoms, swelling, headache, redness, increased cough or nausea.

Potential

• Botox may be beneficial in alleviating tension-related muscle spasms and the back pain associated with it. According to Doctor's Guide, over a two-year period approximately 70 percent of patients who had Botox for back pain reported a good to excellent reduction in their back pain. Ten percent reported that they were completely pain-free when they went to their two-year follow-up appointment.

Warnings

• When using Botox for back pain serious problems may arise. According to Drugs.com, these serious problems may include an allergic reaction to the botox. An allergic reaction can present itching, rash, chest tightness, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or lips. Patients may also experience paralysis, injection site bleeding or unusual weakness. Discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor before getting Botox for back pain, and tell your doctor about any preexisting conditions that might affect her decision on whether or not to treat you with Botox.