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!

Half (80 million) of working Americans admit to having back pain throughout the year. This pain might be caused by stress or being overworked. Back pain could also be a result of bad posture or a past injury.

If you're suffering from lower back pain, then it's time to start looking for ways to reduce and eventually eliminate this pain. Severe lower back pain can prevent you from being productive and enjoying life the way you want to. To relieve lower back pain, there are a few things you can start doing right now.

In the guide below, you'll discover a list of ways to stop lower back pain. Continue reading to start healing.

1. Stay Active

It's sometimes difficult to stay active when you're experiencing lower back pain. However, keeping your body moving can help decrease the amount of pain you're in. Try your best to get up and move when able to.

If working in an office, then do your best to move around during short breaks. Simply walk around the office to stay active. At home, take 30-minute walks each day.

You can also practice yoga and stretching at home as well. There are many great yoga poses and stretches for the lower back. Failing to stay active causes your back muscles to become weak, which puts you at a higher risk of back pain.

2. Sleep in Healthy Positions

Getting enough good sleep each night is essential for optimal health. Your body needs proper rest to heal and prepare itself for the next day. You should be getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night without disruptions.

Sleeping in proper sleep positions is one good way to ensure this. Certain sleeping positions can place strain on your back while you sleep, such as sleeping on your stomach. The best sleeping position is on your side.

Bend your knees and place a pillow between them if needed. You can also sleep on your back with one pillow under your knees and one under your lower back for support.

3. Place Ice and Heat on the Pain

When experiencing lower back pain, you can apply either ice or heat to the area to help relieve some of this pain. Which is better hot or cold? There's no one true answer.

The answer is whatever works best for you, which may even be both! In most cases, however, heat is best when used to relax tension or tight muscles. Ice tends to work better when trying to reduce swelling or inflammation.

Limit your ice or heat usage to only 20 minutes at a time for the best results.

4. Strengthen Your Back Muscles

Having strong muscles helps support your back. Not only do you want to strengthen your back muscles, but all of your muscles, especially your core. Optimal strength and flexibility can help reduce and even eliminate your back pain.

Stretch each morning after waking up and then wait until later in the day when your body's warmed up to start your exercises. Some good workouts for the lower back are as followed:

• bridges
• deadlift
• reverse plank
• bent over row
• hyperextension
• barbell good morning
• rack pull

These are just a few back workouts to try, but remember to work out all muscle groups for added support.

5. Lift With Your Legs

Lifting heavy objects is a good way to hurt your back. Back injuries are common among people who lift heavy objects on a daily basis. To protect your back, you need to lift heavy objects with your legs rather than with your back.

To do this, you'll keep your back straight and bend your knees. Grab the heavy object and then stand up straight. This prevents you from having to bend your back.

You'll use the same method when squatting in the gym. With some practice, it'll come naturally to you.

6. Correct Your Posture

Bad posture can place unnecessary strain on your back. You might not even notice you have bad posture until you start trying to correct it. If you have an office job or sit at a desk for the majority of your day, then it's essential to create an ergonomic workstation.

The desk and chair you use should be ergonomic to enforce good posture. Don't allow yourself to slouch while sitting at your desk. Instead, keep your feet flat on the floor.

Your knees should be kept at a lower level than your pelvis. Your arm should have a 90-degree angle from your desk. You want your computer screen to be at eye level as well.

7. Contact Your Pain Management Doctor

The best way to treat lower back pain is to seek the help of a pain management doctor. Your pain management doctor will first speak with you and diagnose your chronic pain condition. After doing so, you'll then discuss different treatment options.

Treatment for your lower back pain might include, acupuncture, chiropractic care, facet joint injections, medication management, muscle relaxers, and more. Having a pain management doctor to help guide you on your journey to recovery is beneficial because they'll be there to answer questions, provide advice, and make adjustments to your treatment plan when needed.

Let Us Help You Relieve Lower Back Pain

AZ Pain Doctors is the number one source for pain management and treatment in Arizona. We know how frustrating chronic lower back pain can be. Our first step is determining a diagnosis for your pain and then providing the proper treatment needed to relieve lower back pain.

Schedule an appointment today to see how we can help you!