Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) Injections Chicago
Illinois Pain & Spine Institute has been using Botox longer than most other practices in the Chicago area!
Botulinum toxin type A, also known as BOTOX®, is a prescription-based medicine used for the treatment of many clinical disorders by producing temporary skeletal muscle relaxation. In pain management, Botox has demonstrated pain-relieving effects by reducing the muscular hyperactivity within the body. Botox is also used cosmetically for the treatment of wrinkles.
Botox works to relax the contraction of muscles by blocking nerve impulses. Procedures typically do not require anesthesia and usually take just a few minutes to perform. Botox is injected into the muscle using a fine needle in order to minimize discomfort and maximize accuracy. It is recommended that patients avoid alcohol for about a week before the procedure. In order to minimize bruising, patients should stop using aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications about 2 weeks before treatment.
When using Botox for cosmetic purposes, the result is muscles that can no longer contract, and so the wrinkles relax and soften. It usually takes two to four days to see cosmetic improvement and the effects tend to last from four to six months. Most patients require retreatment to remove wrinkles and lines as they begin to reappear, but after each injection the wrinkles return as less severe as the muscles are trained to relax.
At Illinois Pain & Spine Institute, we use Botox to treat the following conditions:
• Cervical Dystonia – a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions.
• Writer’s Cramp – muscle stiffness in the elbow, wrist and finger muscles.
• Chronic Migraines and Headaches
• Muscle Pain from Chronic Muscle Spasms
• Severe Neck and Back Pain
• Cosmetic Wrinkle Treatment
Depending on what you are treating, the effects of Botox last about 3 to 12 months. The most common side effects are pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. You could also have flu-like symptoms, headache, and upset stomach. Injections in the face may also cause temporary drooping eyelids. You should not use Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are looking for more information on Botox injections in Chicago, please contact us for more information.