Q: Have you heard of Botox injections for fibromyalgia? If so, what are they and how do they work?
A: Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) is produced by a bacterium called clostridium botulinum. The U.S. military originally purified the toxin about 30 years ago as a potential nerve agent. More recently, the toxin, which blocks neuromuscular transmission, has been used for medicinal purposes.
When injected in small quantities, Botox causes selective weakening and paralysis of muscles, thereby alleviating spasms and pain. Although the drug is approved only for certain problems involving the muscles of the eyes, doctors have used it to treat the muscular rigidity seen in various medical conditions including cerebral palsy, strokes, multiple sclerosis and some esophageal disorders, and for the pain of a muscular condition called myofascial pain syndrome. In fact, it was the successful use of Botox in some people with severe myofascial pain syndrome that led doctors to try it for fibromyalgia.
Although its use in fibromyalgia is not well studied, Botox injections have been touted as the new “miracle cure” for fibromyalgia. There are reports of patients with fibromyalgia getting some relief of their tender points that lasts up to three to four months. Even though muscle pain is one of the major features of fibromyalgia, there are many other symptoms of the condition not helped by Botox.
If you decide to try Botox, expect to wait about eight days before you see results. The most relief occurs at about three weeks, and the injections can be repeated every three to four months. But be careful not to get them more often. Too frequent injections may cause you to develop immunity to the injections. Some patients who have received too much Botox, depending on the location of the injections, have developed facial and eyelid drooping, bruising, jaw weakness, headache, neck or back pain, and back weakness. Such symptoms last until the injections wear off.
When administered correctly, Botox appears to be safe. But the drug is expensive, costing $400 per injection.
James McKoy, MD, Rheumatologist
Botox Injections for Fibromyalgia?
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Linda Lou
23 Feb 2010, 12:46
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| I've had fibro for 6 yrs now. I had a car accident last March and sustained whiplash, which has put the lid on it!! The pain I have in my head, neck and shoulders is horrendous. I've just been offered botox in my shoulder tender points. Having read above I have decided to go for it. Does any one feel cold inside but your face feels like its burning up, yet check your temperature and it's normal? |
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Bobbie
23 Feb 2010, 00:45
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| I have fibro in the front part of neck, I feel like I am getting choked if I walk too far (which can just be down my hallway). They cannot use the regular injections on the front due to the medication can go into the heart and lungs. The tens unit has not seemed to help, and if it does work ..it is usually six hours of sitting still with it, and the rest of me hurts. I was told the only hope is Botox since it doesn't travel...after 3 months still waiting for insurance to ok.....anyone else have fibro in front of neck??? And if so what helped you? Thanks Bobbie |
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Connie Blixhavn
23 Oct 2009, 16:42
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| I have been having Botox injections for close to 5 years now for fibro and myofacial pain. It has been a wonder drug for me |
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Tracy
15 Oct 2009, 02:03
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| I have been asking my doctors for years about using botox injections! I'm so excited so see that someone is finally trying it. I hope it works! |
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vikki francis
09 Sep 2009, 03:17
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| i have fibromyalgia and severe arthritis in my neck i have been having epidurals and nerve blocking injections now my pain management consultant has said he is going to try botox am glad it is looking hopeful because i am on so many drugs i rattle . |
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alice sohngen
09 Jun 2009, 19:54
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| i'm for anything that will rectify the arithritis problem. |
