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Botulinum toxin A is a protein produced by the bacteria
Clostridium botulinum, the same bacteria that causes
botulism food poisoning. When injected into muscle in tiny amounts, botulinum A
(Botox) can stop or reduce muscle spasm by blocking nerve signals to the
muscle. This treatment has been used since the early 1990s to relieve severe
muscle spasms around the eyes and in the neck, arms, legs, hands, and feet.
Some people with cerebral palsy have gained significant relief from
severe muscle contraction with botulinum toxin injections.
Botulinum toxin A has recently been tried as a treatment for chronic
low back pain. Although this practice is experimental
and not well-tested, it has shown early promise. In one small study of 31
people with chronic low back pain, botulinum A injection was compared to saline
injection into painful back muscles.1
- 3 weeks after treatment, about 73% of botulinum
toxin recipients reported pain relief of 50% or more, while only 25% of the
saline group did.
- 8 weeks after treatment, 60% of botulinum
recipients reported pain relief of 50% or more, while only 12% of the saline
group did.
- Pain relief was reported by most people as lasting 3 to
4 months.
The small size of the study makes it impossible to guarantee that
botulinum toxin injection is an effective and safe treatment for you.
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine and
its unlabeled use. Severe side effects have been
reported.
Citations
-
Foster L, et al. (2001). Botulinum toxin A and chronic
low back pain: A randomized, double-blind study. Neurology, 56(10): 1290–1293.
Reference from Healthwise
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