The Many Uses for Botox

When most people think of BOTOX ® , they think of cosmetic surgery. BOTOX ® has been shown to be highly effective in reducing brow lines, neck wrinkles, wrinkles around the eye and other places; however, there is a wide variety of alternative uses for BOTOX ® . The key to understanding the varied uses for BOTOX ® is to understand what BOTOX ® is and how it works. BOTOX ® is comprised of a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin A. Botulinum toxin A attaches itself to a protein in nerves and blocks the signals from the brain that trigger the nerve to react or move. Due to the fact that BOTOX ® is injected, a doctor can pinpoint the areas and nerves that need to be treated. Although this is a very basic description of how BOTOX ® works, it can illustrate many alternative uses for BOTOX ® . If a nerve is no longer telling a muscle to move or if BOTOX ® temporarily paralyzes a small part of a muscle, then people who suffer from disorders associated with muscle spasms can find some relief. Cervical dystonia, a medical condition that involves contractions of the neck and shoulder muscles, can be treated with BOTOX ® . Strabismus, a condition that causes double vision and crossed eyes, is sometimes treated by injecting the overacting muscles. Blepharospasm, a condition that causes muscle spasms around the eye, is another alternative use for BOTOX ® . Interestingly, it's believed that an observant doctor treating a patient for Blepharospasm originally noted the cosmetic uses for BOTOX ® . BOTOX ® can be used for pain management in targeted areas. Muscles that carry chronic and painful tension can be injected with BOTOX ® . The toxin forces the muscle to relax and will often block the pain receptors. People who suffer from chronic pain may find relief if the offending nerve is targeted with a BOTOX ® injection. People who suffer from long term chronic illnesses such as Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis may find relief from the condition via BOTOX ® injections. Recent studies indicate that BOTOX ® can be used to treat enlarged prostates, bladder control problems, TMJ, and even hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating. The thought of willingly injecting a neurotoxin into the body may seem scary and intimidating. Mother Nature has a wonderful way of providing us hidden uses for things; after all, penicillin is made from bacteria. The effects of a BOTOX ® injection are temporary and very specific. Talk to a specialist if you have worries or concerns, and to learn more about the many uses and benefits of BOTOX ® .