FDA approved in 2002 for use as an anti-aging injection, Botox is most known as the wrinkle-fighting, fine-line reducing best-seller that takes years off our appearance. Botox indeed works wonders for those looking to beat aging at its own game but did you know the product has several medical benefits?

Botox Medical Uses

Botox first earned FDA approval in 1989 to treat two eye disorders, blepharospasm, and strabismus, in adults. The most recent approval occurred in 2021 when the FDA approved Botox for the treatment of upper limb spasticity in adults.

Scientists learn new benefits of Botox very frequently. As research progresses, we now know Botox effectively treats and is FDA-approved to treat 11 different medical conditions in adults. Find out more below about the seven most common medical conditions treated by Botox.

1. Chronic Migraines

Characterized by the onset of a migraine headache at least 15 days out of the month, chronic migraines often debilitate suffers. Over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription treatments offer some relief although patients often claim it’s not enough.

Botox effectively treats migraine pain quickly and relieves many of the debilitating symptoms associated with the condition, including light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness.

Botox injections into the head and neck muscles every 12 weeks can greatly reduce or eliminate migraine headaches.

2. Overactive Bladder

Oftentimes embarrassing for sufferers, an overactive bladder causes symptoms such as loss of bladder, urinary incontinence, and frequent urination. An overactive bladder causes sudden urges to go to the bathroom that is hard or impossible to control.

A Botox professional can provide injections into the bladder which ease overactive bladder and its many associated symptoms. The Botox expert injects botox into the bladder using a special instrument called a cystoscope.

Although the bladder injections sound painful, most patients feel nothing except relief. Performed regularly, Botox bladder injections can stop overactive bladder altogether.

3. Strabismus

Strabismus causes one eye to point inward toward the nose or outward rather than straight forward. The other eye remains focused. Nerve injury and eye dysfunction both cause Strabismus. The leading cause of Strabismus in adults is stroke. It’s better known as cross-eyes to the general public.

Strabismus is one of the first two medical conditions the FDA first approved to treat with Botox. This happened in 1989 and still, today, Botox helps thousands of people reduce the appearance of the condition.

4. Excessive Sweating and Body Odor

Excessive sweating and body odor usually occur under the arms and on the face. It can be caused by a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis. It’s often an underlying symptom of conditions such as thyroid disease and diabetes.

Not every cause of excessive sweating and body odor is caused by a medical condition. People who are overweight or obese are more prone to sweating. Generally, excessive sweating is not a serious problem.

Botox is one of several medical treatments FDA-approved to ease excessive sweating and body odor. Botox injections were approved by the FDA to treat this condition in 2004.

5. Chronic Pain

Myofascial pain syndrome is one type of chronic condition that involves muscle pain.

In a 2014 study researchers pointed to a recent study involving people with this condition and how Botox injections reduced their pain.

This condition is only one type of chronic pain treated with Botox injections.

Other conditions Botox can benefit include:

  • Tension headaches
  • Migraines
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic back pain

Doctors often recommend patients affected by the condition and other chronic pain conditions take over-the-counter pain relievers for relief. In extreme conditions, they may prescribe pain relievers. Botox is much more effective at treating chronic pain.

6. Depression

Depression is a common and serious psychiatric disorder affecting millions of Americans. Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loss of interest, mood swings, insomnia, excessive sleeping, lack of appetite, and suicidal ideation.

The use of Botox to treat psychiatric disorders is now being discovered. A 2014 study published by the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that injections between the eyebrows lowered the symptoms of depression by 47% in just six weeks. This is compared to a 21% reduction rate in patients who used a placebo.

7. Blepharospasm

The second medical condition the FDA approved Botox to treat is Blepharospasm-or eyelid muscle spasms. This condition causes uncontrollable blinking, eye twitches, watery eyes, and pain and irritation of the eye and eyelid. Closing of the eyelids may pose trouble for some patients.

Eyelid muscle spams affect the sufferer’s quality of life, making difficult everyday tasks like driving or using a computer. For most patients, this condition clears on its own. For others, it leads to a chronic condition that requires medical intervention.

Eyelid muscle spasms may be caused by an underlying medical condition or health concern or can be the result of issues like sleep deprivation, fatigue, and prolonged screen time.

Botox injections relieve eyelid muscle spasms for several months at a time with a single injection. Most patients agree that Botox treatment is one of the most effective remedies available to treat Blepharospasm.

Beauty Refined offers Botox treatments in Denver designed to fight wrinkles or treat conditions like those outlined above when you call them to schedule an appointment at 303-957-8200.