Botox Fights Pain

October 27, 2009

Botox may have the power not only to remove wrinkles, but ease pain that's unresponsive to treatments like massage and heat/cold therapy.

A new report presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2009 conference suggests Botox could act as a pain medication to fight chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, is continuous pain that increases over time and may cause intense burning, skin sensitivity and swelling. Many patients with the condition find only limited relief from treatments like massage, physiotherapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, and heat/cold therapy.

Researchers found injecting Botox into the affected area improved pain control significantly for patients with CRPS. Eight patients were given Botox injections once a month over a nine-month period. Patients reported a 31.25 percent in their daily pain control, results that were maintained for up to 17 months.

Related

• Botox: Helping Patients Move Again -- In-Depth Doctor's Interview
• Botox for Cerebral Palsy
• Blast Away Wrinkles
• Overcoming Chronic Pain -- White Paper
• Botox Helps Knee Pain
• Easing Back Pain
• Botox Helps Stroke Patients Dr.'s Q&A

SOURCE: ASPS Plastic Surgery 2009 conference, Oct. 23-27, Seattle
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