Therapeutic Neuromodulation Treatment In Bel Air, MD
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Therapeutic Neuromodulation Treatment for Pain Questions and Answers
Neuromodulation is a physiological process by which a given neuron uses a chemical to regulate a select group of neurons. This process has several therapeutic practices, such as treating diseases or specific symptoms, from headaches to hyperhidrosis. Therapeutic neuromodulation is an incredibly promising therapy in the treatment of pain, and can reduce painful symptoms significantly. Botox is one of the most common neuromodulators, and is often used clinically to treat muscle spasms and overactive sweat glands.
What is therapeutic neuromodulation?
The therapeutic alteration or modification of brain activity using magnetic or electrical energy is called neuromodulation, which also encompasses chemical therapies, such as neurotoxins like Botox.
How does neuromodulation reduce pain?
Neuromodulation using botulinum toxin is not curative. There are no cures for many causes of chronic pain, although botulinum toxin can be an effective part of a long-term treatment strategy for restoring quality of life.
How long does it take for a neuromodulator to work?
The effects of neuromodulators such as the botulinum toxin are typically seen after four to five days, with the full effects taking place after about a week to ten days. These times vary from one patient to the next, depending on factors such as genetics, metabolism, age, and severity of symptoms.
What pain conditions can therapeutic neuromodulation treat?
Botulinum toxin is FDA-approved to treat the following medical conditions:
- Chronic/transformed migraine headaches
- Upper limb spasticity (tense or overactive arms)
- Cervical dystonia (severe neck twitching and spasms)
- Chronic muscle pain
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Joint pain and osteoarthritis
- Various maxillofacial pain conditions
They can also be used to treat:
Osteoarthritis Pain
Botulinum toxin injections have been used to reduce knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis and may also be used to treat joint pain. When a low dosage is used, these injections are particularly effective in joint pain cases, leading to short-term but effective pain relief.
Muscle Pain
Neuromodulation is effective in treating chronic pain caused by myofascial trigger points, painful muscle knots in the protective sheath that surround each muscle. This often occurs due to improper/excessive exercise, lack of rest, and overuse. This type of pain is different from a muscle cramp: it is not the entire muscle that is seizing up for a short time, but a small trigger point that aches and pains for a much longer period of time. An injection of the botulinum toxin can help relieve this pain by relaxing the muscle and reducing motion.
Headaches and Facial Pain
Neuromodulators also show great promise in the treatment of maxillofacial pain, or pain around the neck, head, and jaw. Examples include chronic pain caused by temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and masseter overactivity (the jaw muscles).