Botox® is a powerful medication that not only refreshes your appearance but can also be an effective part of your treatment plan for chronic pain.
At Integrated Neurology Services, PLLC, we specialize in minimally invasive pain management plans that may include Botox to treat a range of conditions, including migraines and other neurological disorders.
Our skilled physicians also provide a variety of innovative therapies so you can enjoy an active, fulfilling life.
Botox is a prescription drug made from a purified form of Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that’s responsible for botulism (a potentially life-threatening food poisoning).
The medication works by preventing the release of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate muscle contractions. This helps ease persistent pain that stems from muscle tension and spasms.
Botox also blocks chemicals that play a key role in neuropathic pain and disrupts pain signals from traveling to the brain.
Botox injections can provide significant pain relief in localized areas with results that last for several months before you need maintenance injections.
Botox was developed in the 1970s to reduce abnormal twitching in the eyelids (blepharospasm) and correct misaligned eyes (strabismus). It was later found to offer cosmetic benefits for people who have deep-set frown lines across the brow and crow’s feet around the eyes.
Physicians continue to use Botox in treatment plans for blepharospasm and other movement disorders, including dystonia and spasticity. Botox therapy is also beneficial for treating and preventing chronic migraines.
Integrated Neurology Services, PLLC, also uses Botox to treat hyperhidrosis, a nerve-related condition that causes excessive sweating.
Botox isn’t generally considered a first-line treatment for movement disorders and other neurological conditions. Our physicians may initially recommend oral medications to control pain and abnormal muscle contractions, so you can participate in physical therapy.
When medications aren’t working well, our physicians discuss your options for Botox and other treatments. We assess your overall health, the severity of your symptoms, and your goals for treatment.
Botox isn’t a cure for neurological disorders, but it can relieve muscle spasm, pain, and other symptoms. If you qualify for Botox, our providers may also recommend other therapies to support your mobility and optimize your quality of life.
Botox injections are minimally invasive, and many people tolerate them well with minor discomfort. Our specialists customize a treatment plan based on the condition you’re treating and the symptoms you have.
You may need a single injection in a localized area or multiple injections in different parts of the body. For instance, in the treatment of chronic migraines, we might administer multiple injections in the scalp and face to target muscles that contribute to head pain.
Our physicians use a thin needle for your comfort, and you may feel a mild pinching sensation. After you receive your injections, expect to stay in the office briefly, so our team can monitor you for side effects. It’s normal to have mild swelling and bruising at the injection site for a few days.
Botox doesn’t provide immediate symptom relief, but within a few days of your initial injection, you should notice less muscle tension and pain in the treatment area. Symptom relief can last several weeks or months before you need additional injections, and we continue to monitor your progress with Botox during follow-up visits.
Call Integrated Neurology Services, PLLC, in Falls Church, Alexandria, or Lorton, Virginia, today to schedule a Botox consultation. You can also book an appointment online.
