5 Benefits of Using Botox to Treat Cervical Dystonia
Dr. Nichelle C. Renk is a board-certified and fellowship-trained anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist practicing in Anchorage, AK at the Algone Interventional Pain Clinic. Dr. Renk performs a thorough evaluation of a patient's symptoms, imaging, and physical exam to create an individualized plan for the patient.... more
Cervical dystonia, a movement disorder that causes you to develop involuntary muscle spasms in your neck, can be uncomfortable and limiting.
Did you know that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medical Botox® injections as a first-line treatment for cervical dystonia? It’s recommended by the American Academy of Neurology.
Interventional pain management specialists Dr. Nichelle Renk and Dr. Mary Beth Calor provide Botox and Xeomin injections for conditions like cervical dystonia at their practice at Alpenglow Pain & Wellness. Dr. Renk and her team support patients in and around Anchorage, Alaska.
Could you benefit from Botox or Xeomin injections to treat your cervical dystonia? Here are five key ways this treatment can relieve your symptoms and improve your condition.
1. It is proven effective
Clinical trials show that Botox and Xeomin injections can be a highly effective treatment for cervical dystonia. It’s reassuring to know that when you’re dealing with this movement disorder, also known as spasmodic torticollis, the treatment has a track record of helping other patients.
2. It addresses the issue neurologically
Botox and Xeomin are biologics, classified as neurotoxins. Your therapeutic dose is calibrated for safety. Botox and Xeomin treatment for cervical dystonia relies on the ways Botox and Xeomin interact with your muscles, nerves, and brain.
In this type of treatment, Dr. Renk or Dr. Calor deliver intramuscular injections into the areas affected by your cervical dystonia. Botox and Xeomin prevent your nerves from sending the chemical messages to your brain that cause your muscles to contract.
3. It releases abnormal head positions
Cervical dystonia often leaves your head positioned abnormally, perhaps tilting to one side or pulling forward or backward. Targeted Botox or Xeomin injections release the muscles that hold your head in such positions, letting you normalize your posture.
4. It relieves pain associated with cervical dystonia
When your neck muscles spasm, you can suffer from pain and repetitive stress. Botox and Xeomin treatment effectively address pain related to cervical dystonia by preventing spasms from occurring.
Your results appear within two weeks of your first treatment and can last for months, letting you avoid using medications for long-term pain management.
5. It’s a renewable treatment to continue your results
Some patients report cervical dystonia symptoms coming back between injection treatments. If that happens, you can talk to Dr. Renk or Dr. Calor about increasing the frequency of your treatment to maintain your positive results. Studies show the best results about 2-6 weeks after your injection treatment.
Dr. Renk and Dr. Calor typically suggest regularly spaced injection treatments for their patients with cervical dystonia, often starting with one session every three months.
Avoiding the overuse of Botox and Xeomin lessens the likelihood that your body would build a tolerance to it, reducing its effectiveness. They also use the lowest dose that will work for you.
To learn more about all the ways Botox and Xeomin can help cervical dystonia sufferers, contact Dr. Renk and Dr. Calor today. Schedule your initial consultation at Alpenglow Pain & Wellness over the phone, or book an appointment online.
