Risks of Botox for Migraines: Why Chiropractic is the better Choice

Migraine headaches can be debilitating, leaving individuals desperate for relief. While Botox is advertised for migraines, it comes with a range of risks & side effects.

Botox is a neurotoxin, which works by paralyzing muscles & blocking nerve signals, specifically preventing the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that causes muscle contraction.

Mild side effects of Botox for migraines may include:

- Drooping eyelids

- Headache

- Muscle stiffness or weakness near the injection sites

- Neck pain

Botox has also been linked to serious side effects:

- Allergic reactions

- The spread of toxin effects, which may lead to life-threatening problems with swallowing or breathing.

While Botox provides relief for some, the potential risks—including long-term nerve damage & breathing difficulties—are enough to give patients pause.

Chiropractic care offers an approach that avoids the side effects and risks of Botox. Research supports chiropractic treatment as a beneficial intervention for migraines, tension headaches, & cervicogenic headaches. With regular care, patients report fewer, shorter, and less-intense headaches.

At Swank Chiropractic Sports Medicine & Wellness, Dr. Abigail Swank and Dr. Parker Neill specialize in treating headache pain by addressing the root cause - restoring normal muscle tone, cervical curvature & biomechanics. Many headaches, especially migraines & tension headaches are linked to dysfunction in the spine & surrounding muscles. By improving biomechanics and muscle function, chiropractic care provides long-term relief. In addition, we offer dry needling, which has also been shown to be beneficial for headache and migraine symptoms.