Botox Injection
Description
Botox is an injection substance used not only for cosmetic procedures, but also for chronic pain. This substance is actually a neurotoxin, which means it can temporarily poison nerves in the area of the injection. These injections are placed in the muscles of the upper and lower back to help improve pain from chronic muscle spasm. The botulinum toxin paralyzes the nerves, which then allows the muscles to relax. These injections are not placed near the spinal cord and they are safe enough to be performed in the office without fluoroscopy.
Conditions Treated
Botox injections are used to treat pain related to muscle spasms.
Before the Procedure
Once you have decided to have the injection, the following events take place:
- If taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications daily, stop these medications at least three days before the injection.
During the Procedure
- The Botox injection is usually performed in the physician’s clinic.
- The skin in the area of the injection is cleaned.
- The skin may be numbed with a local anesthetic.
- A small needle is inserted into the muscle causing the spasm-related pain.
- Botox is injected into the muscle.
- The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.
After the Procedure
- You will be able to leave the clinic after the injection.
- Soreness in the area of the injection may be experienced for 24 to 48 hours after the injection.
- Typically, patients are prescribed to participate in an active physical rehabilitation program after the injection.