Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Treatment for Cervical Dystonia
Spasmatic torticollis, or cervical dystonia, can cause painful neck spasms that can distort the neck and head position. Patients with cervical dystonia may experience involuntary and uncomfortable head or neck positioning. One of the few interventional and minimally-invasive treatments for spasmatic torticollis are Botox® injections. DOCS Health offers botulinum toxin (Botox) for cervical dystonia at our clinic in Los Angeles, CA.
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that works by interrupting neurotransmitter communication in the nerves that serve the targeted muscles. This occurs by Botox stopping the production of acetylcholine, which is needed for neurotransmitters to communicate to the muscles. Once the injection of Botox is completed, the production of acetylcholine diminishes for 3-4 months. It does require a few days or more to take effect after the treatment.
Botox is a brand of botulinum toxin A that has been FDA-approved for treatment of cervical dystonia. The injections can minimize muscle spasms that distort the position of the neck and cause discomfort. The results of Botox treatments are temporary, but the injections can be repeated every few months to maintain relief from symptoms of spasmatic torticollis.
Spasmatic Torticollis Treatment
Botox injections for torticollis treatment can be performed in a quick office visit. The treatment only takes about 20 minutes, and there is no downtime or recovery required. The effects may begin to be noticed within two weeks and improve after several weeks. The most common side effects from Botox treatments are irritation at the injection site, but some patients may have other mild side effects like headaches or dysphagia. In rare instances, more serious side effects can occur, but there are risks with most medications. For most patients, Botox can be a safe and effective treatment for managing the discomfort of cervical dystonia.
If you are experiencing pain and neck distortion from spasmatic torticollis, there are FDA-approved treatments available. To learn more about Botulinum toxin (Botox) treatment for cervical dystonia, contact our team at DOCS Health in Beverly Hills, CA, to schedule your pain management consultation with one of our interventional pain specialists.