Botox Injections for Fibromyalgia-Myofascial Syndrome?

Dear Ask The Doctor: If miagrain headaches can be treated with Botox injections. Why wouldn't Botox be a treatment for fibromyalgia or myofascial syndrome? It affects muscles. It seems to me like it would work.

Dear Sharon: It seems that, according to recent studies, a shot of Botox may do more than erase the furrow from your brow; it may also get rid of that pain in your neck. Some studies show that Botox injections may significantly reduce chronic neck pain when used in combination with physical therapy.  Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A that has long been used to relax muscles and treat uncontrolled muscle contractions caused by a number of medical conditions. In recent years, however, it has become best known as a cosmetic treatment used to lessen the appearance of facial wrinkles. Researchers say the results of this small study show that Botox may also be a useful addition to physical therapy to relieve neck pain caused by chronically contracted muscles. In early studies, Botox injections appear to reduce arthritis pain in the shoulder, knee and hip. These results are promising, but they fall short of proving that Botox injections are an effective treatment for arthritis pain. So far, participants in various studies have reported improvement in arthritis pain and function after Botox injections. There's much left to learn about the possible role of Botox injections in arthritis treatment, however. While research continues, proven treatment options — such as exercise, weight loss and medication — remain the focus of most arthritis and fibromyalgia treatment plans.

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