Botulinum Toxin Injections for Chronic Pain

Botulinum toxin for treating medical conditions is a relatively new idea. It binds to the neuromuscular junction and prevents the release of acetylcholine into the synapse causing flaccid paralysis. Additionally, it may modulate the release of pain related hormones. In the USA, the FDA has approved botulinum toxin for the treatment of migraine headaches, and it is shown that regular Botox injections are beneficial for migraine patients. Patients suffering from arthritic joint pains may also benefit from regular injections of botulinum toxin directly into the joints. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and its trigger points may also benefit from botulinum toxin injections; however, there is still a paucity of evidence to support regular botulinum toxin injections. Patients with other pain syndromes such as trigeminal neuralgia, pelvic pain, and cervical dystonia may benefit from injections with botulinum toxin; however, further studies need to be performed to show significant benefits for patients with such syndromes.