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Botox treatment for muscle pain

Image shows side view of woman

Information from leaflet published in January 2021

Botox

Botox (A) is used for treatment of chronic pain such as myofascial pain/muscle spasm, muscle tension/strain and headaches.

Botox can be used as a treatment option for temporomandibular joint pain, allowing short term/temporary reprieve which enables additional treatment such as yoga, pilates, stress management, mindfulness etc. to be pursued.

The pain-relieving effect of Botox does vary from patient to patient.

Botox works by binding to the nerve-muscle junction, thereby blocking the nerves that cause muscle contraction. The effect usually occurs around 2-4 weeks after injection.

The nerve is able to stimulate again within 3 months or so. The effect of treatment can last longer up to a year.

Botox is injected into the affected muscles and it is carried out in the Outpatient Department.

Botox is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, disorders of neuro-muscular transmission . It is not recommended as a treatment for fibromyalgia.


Day of treatment

  • Botox injections take 10-20 minutes to administer depending on the amount you require.
  • Redness and swelling are normal.
  • Some bruising may also be visible.
  • You may experience some tenderness at the treatment site(s) that can last for a few hours or a few days.
  • It is not unusual to develop flu like symptoms for a few days.

Immediately after treatment

  • Stay or sit upright for 4 hours following injection.
  • DO NOT REST YOUR HEAD OR LIE-DOWN.
  • AVOID massaging the treatment area for the remainder of the day.
  • Do not place excessive pressure on the area(s) for the first few days.
  • Be gentle when cleansing your face or applying make-up.
  • Strenuous activity or exercise should be avoided for 24 hours after treatment.
  • You may apply an ice or cold pack to the area (s) treated (avoiding pressure) as this helps to reduce swelling and bruising.


Common side-effects

Unpredictable and temporary pain at injection site.

Injection sites include :- Temple, masseter (cheek) and sometimes forehead.

Image shows face from the side with arrows showing injection sites. Botox injection sites include temple, masseter (cheek) and sometimes forehead.

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.

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