As Pain Doctors regularly explain to their patients, Botox is not simply a muscle re-laxer. “Since 1989, botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A), has been used to treat neuropathic pain (neuralgia). Botulinum toxin-A shows significant potential as a valuable treatment option for various types of neuralgia. Its ability to alleviate pain and improve outcomes in these conditions, holds promise for individuals suffering from neuropathic pain” [1]
Putting a Spotlight on the Pain Caused by Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy comes about when the peripheral nerves (that is to say, the nerves found outside the spinal cord and brain), are damaged. The fall-out effect generates:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Weakness, and
- A feeling of stabbing, burning or tingling [2]
These symptoms can have a very negative effect on a sufferer’s daily life both at home and at work, so to that end, the objective of a Pain Specialist is to first provide an accurate diagnosis, and then compile a Holistic Personalised Multifaceted Treatment Plan (which includes Botox). The initial consultation with a Pain Doctor can be online or in-person. And once the Pain Consultant has reviewed your medical history, they will arrange any necessary examinations, tests or scans.
So What is the Root Cause of Peripheral Neuropathic Pain?
Pain Consultants typically find that patients are afflicted by one or more of the following conditions:
- Traumatic injuries
- Infections
- Metabolic issues
- Exposure to toxins
- Inherited causes [2]
Note: diabetes is one of the most common causes behind neuropathy [2]
Symptoms to Report to Your Pain Specialist
Symptoms are variable according to the types of nerves that are affected. Nerves are divided into three main categories:
- Sensory Nerves: which receive sensation from the skin. Such sensation includes: touch, vibration, pain and temperature
- Motor Nerves: which animate muscular movement
- Autonomic Nerves: which control vital processes including: bladder function, digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating [2]
Moreover, symptoms of peripheral neuropathy could involve:
- The gradual onset of tingling, prickling or numbness in the hands or feet. (Sensations which can radiate upwards into the arms and legs)
- Burning, throbbing, jabbing, or sharp pain
- Intense sensitivity to touch
- Feeling unusual pain whilst taking part in activities which would not ordinarily cause pain. (A good example is feeling pain in your feet whilst you are lying in bed under a blanket; or simply placing your weight on to your feet)
- Weak coordination
- Falling over
- Weak muscles
- Feeling as though you are wearing socks or gloves when your feet and hands are in fact, bare
- Not being able to move due to the impact on your motor nerves [2]
In the majority if instances, such symptoms cause by neuropathic pain are felt in the hands and feet; although they can also impact other parts of the body. In addition to this, they can disrupt body functions (such as urination and digestion) [2]. Your Pain Doctor will conduct a thorough investigation to determine any potential symptomatic links to peripheral neuropathy.
So How Does Botox Ameliorate Neuropathic Pain?
The mechanics behind Botox work by suppressing the release of neurotransmitters. The latter refer to chemical messengers which target cells in other neurons, muscles or glands throughout the body. The neurotransmitters balance, boost, and carry signals between nerve cells (neurons). To that end, research shows that when a Pain Specialist administers Botox in specific areas of the body, it delivers: “pain relief beyond its direct effects on muscle tissue” [1]. This is excellent news for sufferers.
References
[1]. Dekhne A, Goklani HD, Doshi N, Baskara Salian R, Gandhi SK, Patel P. Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: A Literature Review. Cureus. 2023 Oct 11;15(10):e46848.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10637322/
[2]. Mayo Clinic (2022). “Peripheral Neuropathy.”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061
