Botox injections

Hi-  I had Botox injections around 7 years ago before it was approved .  I think I had to pay for it out of my pocket.  A neurosurgeon did it , who really had no experience with it but I begged him to try.   The first round worked fairly well ;  it seems like the effects left almost three months to the day and I had it repeated.  Days later I bent over to tie my shoelaces and I noticed I had to make a conscious effort to lift my head up .   I continued to have the odd feeling that I had to hold my head up.  Unfortunately the positive effects I had experienced  with the first round did not happen on the second round .  When I told my doctor about the head drop , he said it was actually a normal part of Botox and one unpleasant possibilities .   Fortunately , I did not suffer any other side effects .   He did not understand how or why the second round did not help .  

All that being said , I would find someone very experienced with these injections .  But I would still try it even though I had some problems . The biggest drawback to me is having to have it repeated so often .  

I hope this helps - good luck 

Yes, I’ve had 2 lots of Botox, but for migraines. The injections were around my hairline, neck and shoulders. They’ve helped the migraines but have done nothing for my shoulder/arm pain from my compressed nerves. I’ve also had a bilateral nerve block 11 days ago...still no relief. Fingers crossed the nerve block will start working soon. 

Hello Keeleyann,

Yes, I had about several Botox injection treatments back between the years of 2001 and 2004 right after the FDA approved it for pain therapy. I also had them all in my cervical spine and shoulder areas as well and they were WONDERFUL! I actually felt like I was getting immediate relief as the needles were going in. My doctor felt like that was partly placebo effect but partly due to the action the Botox has on the inflamed nerves. 

Anyway, each time I had them done, they usually lasted for about 6-8 weeks and then I would get another series of them. One vial would give me 6-8 injections in a visit. Back then, each one cost my insurance approximately $1,100, but I had no out of pocket, so it was WELL worth it. It is definitely worth doing if you are still in pain, especially after steroid injections, because I never even bothered with those once I had the Botox. Good Luck and please keep us posted!

Keeleyann,

Have you had this a long time? Did you have an accident that may have tightened your body on one side? I am not a physician and cannot diagnose but, have suffered the same symptoms after a car accident that tightened left side. Pain all the way up to my head for years.

I found this place in San Diego called RejuVitize. The practitioner uses these smooth, metal tools to release the tension on the muscles and it lasts a long time. Actually, they fixed my neck, I could barely turn it. If you live in the area, this may be your best bet. I think there is a website under the same name where you can read about it. Hope you feel better soon.

Helli Keelyanne....please refer to my reply from about 6 months ago since yours id same area as mine were.

Additionally, I am actually considering BOTOX injections again due to my previous problems, as well as facet syndrome of my lumbar spine, migraine and my chronic pain in general. I also have Fibromyalgia as well as TMJ and Scoliosis complicated by Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. I have my geneticist appointment next month to find out which type(or types) of EDS that I have. ALSO, since it is genetic, to find out if the problems that my daughters suffer from are caused by EDS as well. Good Luck!