Did You Know Botox Is Not Just For Wrinkles?

When people think of Botox, celebrities often pop into their head, and they see a face frozen in time. Or they immediately associate this treatment with getting rid of fine lines, wrinkles, or unwanted sagging skin. These mental images are admittedly valid, as Botox injections stop muscles from contracting, essentially paralyzing them for a period of time. This helps to keep wrinkles and sagging skin from aging a person’s face.

But not many people know that Botox treatments can be used for several different reasons. Botox pain treatment has been around for many years, but it is rarely highlighted in the news or by medical professionals.

A condition known as axillary hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, affects many Canadians. The cause for the condition is not clear to doctors, but they believe it has to do with an overactive sympathetic nervous system, stimulated by excitement, nervousness, and even some foods. For these patients, Botox can be beneficial, as it blocks the impulse sent by the nerves to the sweat glands.

In addition to Botox for sweating, these injections can also be effective for migraines. These painful headaches are considered a nervous system disorder, and according to the World Health Organization, globally, they affect about 10% of adults ages 18 to 65. They can be debilitating, and make every day activities feel impossible. Botox for migraines has gained repute as a treatment for these chronic headaches. Pulsating muscles can be arrested with Botox injections, relieving the pain.

There have also been reports that Botox can be used for back spasms in children with cerebral palsy. Classified as a movement disorder, cerebral palsy affects about 17 million people around the world. Sufferers have difficulty controlling their limbs and body, because their muscles are spastic. This often places cerebral palsy patients in a specialized wheel chair to help them gain control over their movements. In one study, Botox injections helped children with cerebral palsy calm their back spasms for a period of time.

While Botox will likely still be known as a cosmetic treatment by most people, its therapeutic properties are gaining in popularity. As more studies are conducted on the alternative health benefits of Botox, these injections could become a significant treatment for more illnesses.