7 Ways Botox Helps with More Than Just Wrinkles

You’ve probably heard of Botox. It’s commonly used to soften or eliminate facial wrinkles and frown lines. You may not realize, however, that it has many more applications.

It is a drug made from botulinum toxin, a potent neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which also causes the dangerous form of food poisoning known as botulism. In small, controlled doses, it is most commonly used to treat a range of cosmetic issues, including:

• Smoothing crow's feet, forehead furrows and frown lines
• Diminishing neck bands
• Softening skin dimpling on the chin
• Lifting the corners of the mouth
• Softening a square jawline

While those uses draw the most attention for, this drug – also known as the “miracle poison” – has a surprising number of applications beyond improving your physical appearance. All of these treatments are based on its ability to block nerve endings, preventing them from communicating with muscles.

Let’s explore some of the other ways it is used:

1. Crossed eyes and eyelid spasms: These were among the first targeted treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It has been used since the 1970s to treat crossed eyes (strabismus.) The ophthalmologist injects a tiny dose of the drug into the muscle that’s causing the misalignment of the eyes. The treatment generally lasts three to four months. Similarly, the drug can be injected into the muscles that are causing eyelid spasms or twitching.
2. Migraines: This treatment emerged after doctors caring for patients with crossed eyes and spasms noticed that they were getting fewer reports of headaches. Following additional research, the FDA approved Botox for migraines in 2010. Your doctor injects the drug into the muscles around your face, head and neck. From there, researchers believe, the drug is picked up by your nerves, where it interferes with the transmission of pain-associated neurotransmitters. The relief generally lasts up to three months.
3. Overactive bladder: This is a condition, experienced by an estimated 33 million U.S. adults, in which muscles squeeze urine out of the bladder on their own. People who have this condition may constantly feel the urge to go to the bathroom or have incontinence. The problem is caused by bladder nerve signals telling the brain that it urgently needs to go. When Botox is injected into the bladder muscles, it allows them to relax. It can reduce the urge to urinate and give you more time to get to the bathroom when you do need to go. The effects can last for up to nine months.
4. Foot pain: Plantar fasciitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. The dull or sharp pain in your heel can make walking difficult. When the drug is injected into your foot, it paralyzes the muscles above the plantar fascia in the heel. The treatment can help dull the pain and reduce inflammation. The relief can last for up to four months.
5. Excessive sweating: This condition, known as hyperhidrosis, causes various sweat glands to become overactive. You may find yourself sweating profusely, regardless of your level of physical activity or temperature. Common areas include the armpits, palms of your hands, soles of your feet, head and face. When the drug is injected into the troubled area, it effectively paralyzes the sweat glands. The treatment can last for up to six months.
6. Neck spasms:  A rare disorder called cervical dystonia causes your neck muscles to contract uncontrollably. It can cause your head to turn in an uncontrollable position. When injected into those muscles, Botox allows them to soften or relax. The treatment can last for up to a year, though patients typically need a follow-up treatment after a few months.
7. TMJ disorder: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. Disorders involving this joint can cause pain and tenderness in the jaw, headaches, facial pain and difficulty chewing. Botox injections can temporarily paralyze jaw muscles, allowing them to relax. The relief can last for up to three months.