Other Uses for Botox That Might Surprise You
Although Botox is most commonly associated with cosmetic treatments to smooth wrinkles and rejuvenate the face, Botox is also a popular treatment for various therapies, including relief from severe pain and discomfort. As is the case with many modern treatments, the therapeutic benefits of Botox were often discovered accidentally, with Botox patients claiming or exhibiting relief from other symptoms after receiving their cosmetic treatments. If you think you will benefit from Botox treatments, either cosmetic, therapeutic, or both, consult with Ottawa Botox experts to see what treatment is right for you.
Here are a few therapeutic uses for Botox that might surprise you:
Chronic Migraines
Botox was discovered as a way to relieve the pain of headaches and migraines by a plastic surgeon in 1992. His patients reported fewer headaches after their Botox treatments. In 2010, Botox was approved for the therapeutic treatment of migraines. Botox treats migraines through the use of injections in locations around the head and neck.
Hyperhidrosis
Primary axillary hyperhidrosis (otherwise known as excessive underarm sweating) can now be treated with Botox… and it’s thanks to another accidental discovery! Doctors using Botox to treat facial spasms in their patients noticed that these patients began to sweat less. Further investigation and study showed how the product blocks the production of sweat. Now, Botox is helping patients with excessively sweaty hands and feet enjoy their lives to the fullest, without having to worry about embarrassing sweat stains.
Strabismus
Strabismus, a misalignment of the eyes commonly known as crossed eyes, is often caused by problems with the eye nerves, muscles, or part of the brain that controls eye movement. Botox is an approved treatment for strabismus, treating the eye muscles to help with their realignment.
Cold Hands
The University of Chicago’s Cold Hand Clinic uses Botox to treat patients with cold hands. Since cold hands are commonly a result of poor circulation, Botox treatment relaxes the hand muscles and opens constricted blood vessels that are responsible for poor circulation. After treatment, more blood can flow to the hands and relieve the cold hand symptoms.
Cervical Dystonia
Cervical dystonia is a muscle condition causing extremely painful neck spasms. Those who suffer from this condition have involuntary muscle contractions in their necks that can lead to uncontrollable tilting or turning of the head and severe neck pain. Botox is approved to treat cervical dystonia. It can relax the neck muscles and prevent the painful muscle contractions.
These Botox therapeutic treatments can relieve severe pain and discomfort and improve the quality of life for those who have been suffering from these conditions. Botox is more than just a cosmetic procedure—it is a life changer. For more information on Botox treatments, contact your local Ottawa Botox clinic.