Living with chronic migraines can be a challenge, affecting everything from your work life to your family time. When you’ve tried other treatments without much success, you may have questions about other options.
Understanding your options is the first step toward finding relief. Therapeutic Botox is a preventative treatment that can help reduce the frequency and intensity of chronic migraines. At Springbank Dental Centre, we’re here to provide clear answers to your most common questions about this treatment.
How Botox & Migraine Relief Work
Therapeutic Botox works differently than cosmetic Botox because its goal is prevention. It functions by helping to block some of the pain signals your nerves send to your brain before a headache can start. It doesn’t help with migraines already in progress, but it can lower the number of headache days you have each month.
Your Typical Treatment Plan
A treatment plan usually involves receiving injections about every 12 weeks. It can take two or three sessions to notice the full benefits, so it’s a gradual process. We’ll work with you to track your progress and adjust according to your needs.
Where We Place Injections
We inject therapeutic Botox into shallow muscles around your head and neck. The process itself is quite quick and is usually finished in about 15 minutes.
Effectiveness & Potential Downsides
Many people find that Botox for chronic migraines helps them have more pain-free days each month. Like any procedure, however, there are potential side effects to consider, though most are mild and temporary.
Possible Side Effects
You may notice some temporary discomfort after your treatment. Some common side effects can include:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- A mild headache for a day or two
- Temporary muscle weakness near the injection sites
Can Botox Cause Ear Pain
Ear pain is not a common side effect, but it has been reported. This is often related to the muscles of the jaw and neck that are close to the ear, an area often affected by temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). It’s important to discuss any symptoms you experience with your practitioner.
Care & Activities Post-Appointment
Your post-treatment care is straightforward. Here’s what to consider:
The First Four Hours
For the first four hours after your treatment, it’s a good idea to stay upright. Try to avoid lying down or doing any strenuous exercise. This helps the injection settle correctly into the targeted muscles.
What to Avoid for 24 Hours
For the first 24 hours, you’ll need to take it easy. Don’t rub or massage the areas where you received injections. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of facials, saunas, or other activities that cause you to get too hot.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Treatment
Botox is often considered for adults with a history of chronic migraine. This generally means you experience headaches on 15 or more days per month, with at least eight of those being migraines.
A discussion with a qualified practitioner is the best way to determine if Botox injection is a suitable option for you. As an experienced dentist in SW Calgary, we can assess your situation and help you understand your choices.
Other Tips for Migraine Management
Beyond medical treatments, certain lifestyle habits and awareness of triggers can make a difference. Some people find that specific foods or routines can bring on a migraine. Keeping a simple journal of your headaches and daily activities can help you spot patterns.
Common triggers to watch for can include:
- Certain aged cheeses or cured meats
- Changes in caffeine intake
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Increased stress, which can lead to conditions like bruxism (teeth grinding) that may contribute to headaches
At Springbank Dental Centre, we believe that dental care should be delivered with compassion. If you’re looking for a dentist in SW Calgary to explore your options for migraine relief, reach out to our team today.
