Botox for Headaches: What You Need to Know

Did you know that you can get Botox injections to treat your chronic migraines? The tried and true beauty care staple commonly used to keep the many people of America youthful can also help reduce the frequency of chronic migraines.

Now, we all know how debilitating and exhausting it is to deal with migraines, and we're sure you've tried over-the-counter medications and other types of ways to self-soothe, only for it not to really work.

If this sounds like you, you may want to read more about how Botox for headaches can help with your chronic migraine issue. This brief guide will cover all you need to know about Botox, how it works for headaches, and who you can contact for additional information. 

What Is Botox?

Botox is a neurotoxin protein made from the Botulinum toxin that many doctors use to treat fine lines and wrinkles. When injected into your body, the Botox gets absorbed by the nerves in your muscles, relaxing them. Although this neurotoxin has the potential to paralyze your body, if taken in small doses, it can actually help you. 

Botox for Headaches

Many researchers believe that the protein in Botox can help block the transmission of chemicals that produce pain in your nerves. There is enough evidence that proves Botox can be used to ease the frequency of migraine pains. The Food and Drug Administration approves Botox to treat chronic migraines for people who suffer from chronic daily attacks.

How Do Botox Injections Work for Headaches?

Your brain has several different neurotransmitters in your body that carry signals between your brain cells. When you receive your Botox treatment, the neurotoxin travels into your nerves, altering the release of certain neurotransmitters.

As mentioned earlier, if ingested, it can lead to severe health effects, including paralysis. Research shows that the same Botox injections people receive for beauty treatments can block the release of pain-producing chemicals like calcitonin gene-related peptides in small injectable amounts. 

Other migraine symptoms Botox can help with:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to smells, lights, and sounds

Although substantial research proves that Botox treatments can help with migraines, it isn't a cure. Researchers don't believe that it can completely cure migraines because it doesn't address the underlying cause of the migraine condition. 

What to Expect From Your Botox Treatment

If you decide that you want to get a Botox treatment for your headaches, make sure you reach out to your doctor first. Once your doctor deems you a good candidate for the treatment, you will need to schedule your appointment.

There are several different companies that offer Botox for headaches, but make sure you look at their reviews. Check to see what other clients say about their treatment and ensure proper accreditation. 

Botox Injection Sites

To treat your migraines, you will receive around 31 injections into the muscles under your skin. The injections are virtually painless, but they will feel like a slight sting or burn if you do feel something. 

The injections will be spread across different areas of your face, including your forehead and temples. 

Botox injection sites for headaches:

• Back of the head
• Upper bridge of your nose
• Upper back
• Neck

The exact location for your injections will depend on where you mainly feel your pain. If your headaches are around your forehead or your temples, your licensed technician will inject Botox into those areas. It only takes about fifteen minutes to complete all the injections. 

What Happens After the Treatment?

After completing your session, you can go about your day as normal. Most people can go back to work or continue running their errands without any downtime. 

Be aware that you may not feel immediate relief after your first session, as it will take a few weeks to feel some pain relief. It is relatively common for people to get treatment at least once every three months. 

How Often Do I Need Treatment?

As mentioned above, some people get treatments once every three months, whereas others may need to come more often. In order to ensure that you keep your migraine pain under control, your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan for you. 

Potential Side Effects

Botox treatments for migraine pains are considered to be safe by experts, but everyone's body is different. It is imperative that you reach out to your primary care doctor to see if you are a good candidate for treatment before starting your course of treatment. 

Common side effects reported:

• Neck pain
• Bruising or swelling at the injection site
• Flulike symptoms
• Temporary neck weakness

In extremely rare cases, the Botox may spread beyond the injection area. This can lead to more severe side effects such as muscle weakness or vision changes if it does. 

Other rare side effects:

• Bladder issues
• Difficulty breathing
• Sharply raised eyebrows
• Trouble swallowing or speaking

These symptoms may show up a few hours a few days after your treatment. If you experience any of those listed symptoms, you will want to call your doctor right away. 

Treat Your Chronic Migraines Now!

People who have experienced migraines know how intense and debilitating they can be, especially when over-the-counter medicine isn't helping. If you are interested in an alternative method for treating chronic migraines, you can try Botox for headaches.

There is enough evidence to prove that this treatment plan can help, and the FDA also backs it. If your doctor cleared you to receive Botox injections to treat your headaches, contact us now. We take several forms of health insurance to cover your pain relief needs!