Dear Health Conscious Reader,
Not everyone wants to inject poison into their face. And that’s how a lot of folks feel about Botox.
I don’t blame you. But Botox is also misunderstood.
Botox is naturally occurring and when used properly can do more than take the wrinkles off an aging movie star.
It can end migraines, prostate problems, and muscle spasms. That’s what studies using Botox are showing. We are finding that Botox is not only good for cosmetic anti-aging; it may also ease some very irritating conditions.
Today, I’ll tell you how a cosmetic tool has the potential to alleviate migraine, prostate, and muscle pain. And I’ll give you some tips for Botox safety.
You are probably most familiar with Botox as a cosmetic procedure. For years, doctors have been using Botox to diminish their patients’ facial wrinkles. And since the FDA approved Botox as an anti-wrinkle serum in April of 2002, its use has become common.
Botox is a natural toxin. The bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces it. Doctors use a purified form of the toxin. We inject small amounts of this substance into muscle, which temporarily weakens it. Botox blocks a chemical in the muscle that causes it to contract.
Less contraction means less wrinkles. This is why Botox is widely used to eliminate facial wrinkles. But this same mechanism can eliminate pain from some medical conditions.
Headaches: We have now come to understand that Botox can treat and even prevent some of the most severe headaches. The journal Headache published a now landmark study that looked at the effectiveness of Botox in treating headaches.
Researchers analyzed several studies performed over 3 years. They evaluated 271 subjects with severe, frequent headaches. Botox treatment reduces the average number of days per month in which subjects experienced headaches by 56%. Headache intensity and frequency dropped by over 85% with Botox injections.1
Muscle Spasms: Botox was actually first approved for treating muscle disorders. And I have used this technique in my practice with much success. One of my patients had been suffering from spasms of the neck muscles for years. Botox injections eliminated most of his pain and spasms.
Prostate: The most recent unique use for Botox has been in the relief of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) symptoms. Researchers have been performing some preliminary tests on the topic for a few years. Now a recent study shows promise.
Researchers at the University Hospital in Rome treated 30 men with swollen prostates with either Botox injections or a placebo solution injection. The men taking Botox had a significant reduction in frequent painful urination after two months. These men also experienced a drop in PSA levels. Better yet, their prostates shrunk by almost half!2
Remember Botox is a nerve toxin, it can be dangerous if used the wrong way. Botox is a prescription. Only let a doctor experienced with Botox treat you. There are very few reported side effects from proper administration.
Botox injections for wrinkles, headaches and muscle spasms can work for up to 3 months. After that, you may need a repeat treatment.
Remember, the study regarding Botox for prostate relief is preliminary. I wouldn’t inject your prostate with Botox just yet. We still need more evidence proving that Botox is safe for the prostate over time. None-the-less, more research could yield more promising results.
If you’re in South Florida – or just passing through – you can talk to my staff about Botox and other proven anti-aging remedies for your skin.
Tara Smith, ARNP, NP-C is the newest addition to my clinic. As a nurse practitioner with years of experience in dermatology and anti-aging, she’s an expert in the field. Tara is one of the best in the business and I’m happy to have her on board. You can reach her by contacting my clinic at: 561-784-7852.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
- Blumenfeld, A. Botulinum toxin type A as an effective prophylactic treatment in primary headache disorder. Headache 2003 Sep; 43(8): 853-60
- Maria G. et al., Relief by botulinum toxin of voiding dysfunction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: results of randomized, placebo-controlled study. Urology 2003 Aug; 62(2): 259-64