The Korean Journal of Pain  2011;24(1):1-6

doi:10.3344/kjp.2011.24.1.1

Application of Botulinum Toxin in Pain Management.

Woo Seog SIM 1

Affiliations

+expand

Keywords

botulinum toxin; pain

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Botulinum toxin has been used for the treatment of many clinical disorders by producing temporary skeletal muscle relaxation. In pain management, botulinum toxin has demonstrated an analgesic effect by reducing muscular hyperactivity, but recent studies suggest this neurotoxin could have direct analgesic mechanisms different from its neuromuscular actions. At the moment, botulinum toxin is widely investigated and used in many painful diseases such as myofascial syndrome, headaches, arthritis, and neuropathic pain. Further studies are needed to understand the exact analgesic mechanisms, efficacy and complications of botulinum toxin in chronic pain disorders.