Pain Management for Chronic Migraines: How Botox® Can Help

Anyone who’s experienced a migraine will tell you that it’s far from an ordinary headache. Migraines can cause unbearable pain, nausea and vomiting, and even temporary loss of eyesight. For many people, migraines affect their ability to perform job-related tasks and engage with friends and family members.

When something has such a large effect on everyday life, those who suffer from it would do anything for some relief. Fortunately, help can come from the most unlikely of places: Botox®. Read on for what to know about Botox® and how it works to help reduce pain from migraines.

What Causes Chronic Migraines?

First, it’s important to understand the possible causes of chronic migraines. The exact causes of migraines are still unknown, but a few certain factors can commonly trigger migraines.

These include the following:

• Hormonal changes
• Dehydration
• Bright lights
• Sleep changes
• Strong smells
• Medications
• Certain foods and food additives

Migraines become chronic when you experience 15 headache days out of every month for three months. If you’re experiencing chronic migraines, you should work with a healthcare provider to identify your triggers. In the meantime, your doctor may refer you to a pain management specialist to help you stay as comfortable as possible.

What Is Botox® and How Does It Work?

Botox® is a neurotoxin that is made from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This toxin works by blocking nerve signals in a particular area, keeping the muscles still.

This treatment has become quite popular recently because of its use in the anti-aging and cosmetics industries. Many people get Botox® to prevent facial movements that can cause wrinkles and early aging.

However, Botox® also has very helpful applications for various health conditions. For instance, injecting Botox® can help prevent muscle spasms, twitching, involuntary muscle movements and tremors, and voice tremors.

How Botox® Helps With Migraines

Migraines can cause the muscles in the face, neck, and head to contract, which sends pain signals to the brain. Pain then causes the muscles to tense up even more, creating a vicious cycle. Injecting Botox® can help relax these muscles, preventing them from tensing up and making them less sensitive to pain signals overall.

It’s important to remember that Botox® is not a cure for migraines. It can help reduce your migraines by up to 50 percent, but once it wears off, you’ll need to get another Botox® treatment to keep your results.

What Does a Botox® Procedure Look Like?

Before you schedule your first Botox® treatment for migraines, make sure you choose a trusted provider. Look for a chronic pain management specialist like Oklahoma Interventional Pain & Spine; these providers are more knowledgeable about where to place injections for maximum pain relief than regular cosmetic providers.

At your appointment, your specialist may place injections around your forehead, neck, and back of your head. Most people need injections every three months or so to maintain the results. While cosmetic Botox® can get pricey, Botox® is an FDA-approved treatment for migraines and is often covered by insurance.

Who Should Get Botox® for Headaches?

If you experience chronic migraines, you may be wondering if it’s time to look at treating the pain with Botox®. If you’d like to go this route, talk to your primary healthcare provider or a pain management specialist to see if you’re a good candidate for Botox® therapy.

If you have fewer than 15 headache days per month, you may not qualify for Botox® pain management. Even if you do qualify, your insurance may not cover the therapy if you don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for migraines.

Your doctors may want you to try over-the-counter pain relievers, lifestyle interventions, or switching medications before suggesting Botox® pain management. Some people can manage migraines simply by avoiding triggers or trying alternative pain management options, and your doctor may recommend trying this before suggesting Botox®. It’s also important to note that Botox® is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.

The Bottom Line

Chronic migraines can be debilitating and greatly affect your quality of life. Some people who suffer from chronic migraines find relief with Botox®, a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes muscles to prevent spasms or contractions.

When administered by a pain management specialist, Botox® can reduce migraines by up to 50 percent. However, this treatment must be repeated every three months for the effects to last.

Sources:

• Migraine - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic
• Botox injections | The Migraine Trust
• Does Medicare Cover Botox? 3 Things to Know | Healthline