Most people experience headaches from time to time. But migraines are a different beast entirely. That throbbing headache could be a day-ender, especially if you experience symptoms like nausea or light sensitivity.
You might see it coming, too. When you start experiencing the telltale signs of an impending migraine, you want to do anything you can to stop it.
While you might not be able to nix the migraine that’s already on its way, you can absolutely take steps to fend off future head pain. Dr. Jonathan Carlson specializes in treating migraines and has a variety of options he can explore with you here at Hawai’i Pain and Spine on the Windward side of O’ahu in Kailua.
That includes Botox®, which can be a transformative treatment for people with persistent migraines.
Botox isn’t just a way to smooth wrinkles. The key ingredient in Botox — botulinum toxin — can alleviate migraine pain.
Botox smooths wrinkles by temporarily freezing the muscles underneath the wrinkles. When it’s injected into targeted areas in your head and neck, it can go to work by freezing some of the muscles that contribute to migraines.
The American Migraine Foundation says it also interrupts pain signals. Botox goes into the nerve endings, blocking chemical messengers that cause you to experience migraine pain.
In other words, this treatment option gives you a highly effective, targeted way to address your chronic migraines.
Using Botox to treat migraines means getting multiple injections. But the needle used to deliver the Botox is extremely small. Each injection should feel like nothing more than a small pinprick.
You should see some results within a few weeks. Dr. Carlson works with you to tailor a treatment plan — which may include repeat sessions — to deliver optimal migraine relief.
Talk with Dr. Carlson about your migraines, telling him what they feel like and how frequently you get them. This way, he can determine if you’re a good candidate for Botox or if you might be better served by an alternative treatment option.
Here at Hawai’i Pain & Spine, some of the other treatments he can explore with you include:
Generally, Botox is a good option to explore if you have recurring migraines and other treatment options haven’t worked. The FDA has approved Botox to treat chronic migraines, defined as having 15 or more migraine days a month.
If you’re ready to get relief from your head pain, come see Dr. Carlson. With proven options like Botox, he has an arsenal to pull from to help you experience fewer migraine days. Call our office to schedule your appointment at Hawai’i Pain & Spine today.
