Most individuals think of botox as a cosmetic procedure used to reduce wrinkles or enhance someone’s appearance. Although this is true, there are also other uses for botox that have nothing to do with vanity.
- Jaw pain or TMJ pain
Jaw pain can occur if your jaw muscles are too tight or you clench and grind your teeth at night. Botox can be used to relax and shrink the jaw muscles to reduce pain and teeth grinding. As a bonus, shrinking the jaw muscles may also result in a slimmer looking face.
- Strabismus Treatment
Strabismus is a condition that causes improper eye alignment meaning one eye may be looking straight and the other downward or to the side. Botox can be used to correct the eye position so that both eyes turn toward the same direction.
- Blepharospasm Treatment
Blepharospasm is a condition that results in involuntary twitching or blinking of the eyes. Botox relaxes these muscles and reduces the involuntary muscle movement.
- Migraines and Headache Treatment
A lot of individuals suffer from recurring migraines, leaving them incapacitated at times. This condition makes it difficult for individuals to work and lead day to day lives. Botox can be used to reduce migraines by entering the nerve endings and blocking the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission.
According to a study, “botox effectively reduced headache days and migraine days by at least 50%”!
- Reduced excessive sweating
Excessive sweating causes individuals to produce an abnormal amount of sweat. So much so, it can sweat through their clothing. This is a very tough condition to live with, as normal activities result in excessive sweating and individuals may be embarrassed and reluctant to participate.
When prescription antiperspirants don’t work, botox is another solution. The botulinum toxin blocks the nerve signals responsible for sweating. Individuals may need to repeat treatment in 4 to 6 months, however over time patients can go longer between treatments.
- Aid with an overactive bladder
Overactive bladders can be found in 18.1% of the Canadian Population. Botox can help by stopping the bladder wall muscle from contracting, resulting in fewer episodes of urinary incontinence.
- Alleviate neck and shoulder pain
Botox can help with conditions such as cervical dystonia, which is a disorder that causes involuntary spasms and neck pain. A botox injection into the affected muscles releases and relaxes the contractions.
Botox can also help treat whiplash, which is a common neck injury that often occurs in a car accident. Whiplash causes pain and strain in the neck muscles. According to a study, botox was found to relieve pain and improve range of motion in individuals with whiplash induced injuries.
There are a multitude of uses for botox beyond the enhancement of one’s appearance. Although it is not a one-time solution for a lot of these conditions, it is a treatment that can alleviate pain and help individuals with their day to day lives. To learn more, contact us today!
