Use of Botox in pain management 

Use of Botox in pain management
While Botulinum toxin, better known by the brand name Botox, may be mostly known for its use in cosmetic procedures, it has also been used as a treatment for a wide variety of painful conditions. Migraines, headaches, neck pain, back pain, hip pain and even upper leg pain can be managed with well placed Botulinum toxin injections. In many cases where the pain is caused by muscle spasm, these injections can stop the spasm at the source, allowing the affected muscle to relax and hopefully put an end to the pain.
Botulinum toxin happens to be a purified extract of a poison found in bacteria. While botulism is synonymous with food poisoning or even death, the toxin comes from the ineffective agent and, in the small doses used in medical procedures, is perfectly safe to use. When it is injected into a muscle, it blocks the signals sent from the brain which tell the muscle to contract. When the muscles stay contracted for a long period of time, they can become very painful. The botulinum toxin helps keep the muscle relaxed for anywhere to three to six months, after which it is hoped that the muscle will be able to contract normally without spasms.