The Limitations Of Botox In Pain Management
The use of botox as a beauty therapy treatment, preventing the appearance of wrinkles has been well known for some time now. However, recent publicity in the media about the use of botox as a means of managing pain, has led to many people viewing botox as some kind of miracle cure or a magic bullet that will alleviate pain and restore patients back to a pain free state.
But sadly, this is not the case. Although many people can and do benefit from the use of botox in managing painful conditions, it is not a treatment that is suitable for all. It works by effectively paralysing the muscle that is causing the pain and thus it is a very effective means of managing pain. But people with underlying medical conditions should not assume that botox will be a suitable treatment for them.
People Who Should Not Be Treated With Botox
- Anyone with a history of epilepsy or seizures.
- If there is any inflammation in the area which is to be injected then botox cannot be used.
- Patients who have very recently had surgery or who are about to have surgery.
- Anyone who has cardiovascular disease.
- Certain diseases or conditions also prohibit the use of botox in pain management, these include myasthenia gravis, motor neuropathy etc.
- In addition, if there is a risk of bleeding after the injection has been administered, then it will not be used.
- People who have exceptional wasting in the muscle where the botox is to be injected will also not benefit from botox.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women will also not be routinely prescribed botox as a means of pain management.
- Significant and long term breathing problems will also prohibit the use of botox.
Do The Limitations Of Botox Mean That It Is Unsafe?
Botox, when administered as a pain management technique is actually very safe. However, when using any pain management technique, the pain consultant has to err on the side of caution. So even if there is only a very small risk of complications or adverse effects from the use of botox in patients with, for example, cardiovascular disease, then it will not be used and alternatives will be sought.
Primarily this is simply down to ensuring that patients are as safe as possible and that the use of one pain management technique does not exacerbate any existing condition. Conditions such as cardiovascular disease or myasthenia gravis are quite serious medical conditions and as such specific care has to be taken when treating patients with any of these conditions, simply because of the risks involved.
Patients who are generally healthy and who do not have any other underlying medical conditions will be able to be treated with botox and need have no worries about its use. It is safe, effective and can really help ensure that patients really can enjoy a pain free life again and resume day to day life and if your pain consultant feels that you are a suitable candidate for botox, then rest assured that it really could help transform your life and ensure that pain is greatly reduced.
