BOTOX Goes Deep, Combats Pain and Improves Quality of Life

BOTOX is used cosmetically as a means of reducing the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles. But a latest study done by the researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles; revealed that Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) injections significantly improve pain and quality of life in people with chronic bilateral posterior neck and shoulder myofascial pain syndrome.

Prior to this the traditional therapies for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome included medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and muscle relaxants, physical therapy and behavioral modification.

"At best, long-term benefit with traditional therapies is transient and unpredictable," said Andrea L. Nicol, M.D., M.S., Director of Research -- UCLA Pain Management Center, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Anesthesiology -- Division of Pain Management, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. "Even with these treatments, some people with myofascial pain syndrome get incomplete benefit or no benefit at all."

"BOTOX is in a class of medications called neurotoxins and when injected into muscles, blocks the nerve signals that cause the tightening of muscle, leading to muscle relaxation. Thus, BOTOX may offer advantages over traditional therapies for myofascial pain syndrome due to its prolonged and sustained effects," Nicol confirmed.

This study was conducted by Chronic Pain Management Specialists F. Michael Ferrante, M.D. and Nicol. The subjects were given injections of BOTOX into the painful muscles of the neck and shoulder area during the first phase of the study. Those who showed significant improvement to BOTOX treatment were taken to the second phase where they were again divided into two groups.

Subjects in the treatment group had BOTOX injections into the painful muscles of the neck and shoulder area. Subjects in the control group received a placebo injection (salt water) into the painful muscles of the neck and shoulder.

These subjects were monitored in order to check their response to the injection. Pain scales and questionnaires were administered to document response and perform data analysis.

The researchers concluded that subjects who received BOTOX injections significantly displayed greater reduction of their pain scores compared to those subjects who had received placebo injections. Plus there was a reduction in the number of headaches they experienced on a weekly basis. The severity of the subjects' headaches was reduced. Plus a significant reduction in the interference of their pain with regards to general activity, sleep and enjoyment, indicating an overall improved quality of life.