botox side effects - neck pain?

Patricia3 23 May 2013

Hi I first started my post of botox for migraines in March 2013.Since I had so many prpblems, I.e.raised eyebrows serious neck pain, not being able to raise my head. I have dealt with a lot of what many of you have. It is now almost June which would be time for round 2 on the injections. My neurologist says NO I have had too many side effects. So we are trying to increase the preventative med topamax for. I just want to say now at the end of 3 months all the discomfort I had is gone Thanks for listening and hope this someone PAT

psilipo 23 May 2013

Hi Patricia, I had serious neck and trapezius pain. I have heard of issues with raised eyebrows, but my 1st time no issues with eyebrows, just heavy eyelids. I had a very difficult time raising my head also. Bending over washing my face was a chore and I had to actually lift my head up with my hands until it wore off. I just finished my 4th round of botox and have not had any of those side effects. I have been told that the more you do it, the better results you get. I didn't believe it at first but on the 3rd time I started getting more results and less side effects. The side effects that I experienced the 2nd and 3rd time was 1) having a difficult time chewing chewy stuff and 2) couldn't open my mouth wide enough to eat a banana or yawn without being in pain. Not sure what this time will bring, but I can say it is only day 2 and my headaches and neck pain has already gotten so much better. I think it is important to find a doc that has good experience with injections. too many people are doing it now and I believe that is why we are having more issues. I hope you find relief. Topomax didn't work for me because I became extremely depressed. Blessings

psilipo 23 May 2013

By the way, I am getting my injections from my pain management doctor who has an assistant that used to do cosmetic botox injections.

alicia5 22 May 2013

I'm amazed at how many neurologists don't seem to know how many patients are having the same awful side effects! I called The Allergan pharmaceutical that makes Botox. They just told me that They were very sorry about my excruciating neck and shoulder pain, difficulty swallowing and frozen forehead. They documented everything and asked me for the lot# and expiration of the bottle which I don't keep. They also asked if they had permission to call my neurologist and/or me back.

NikkiS 23 May 2013

I have the same side effects as you. Can you give me that info? I'd like to speak with them. thank you!! :)

ilyceb 23 May 2013

What info do you want?

NikkiS 23 May 2013

the allergan pharmaceutical company.. Do you have a contact??

ilyceb 23 May 2013

No I don't.

Kobu 23 May 2013

Nikki you can go onto the Allergan website. There is information and a phone number their website that you can call to report symptoms. It is typically manned 24 hours/ day. Be sure to also report your symptoms to the FDA.

Flccc 24 May 2013

I am on my way for my second day of IV infusion of DHE-45 with steroid. Yesterday was horrible, the steroids give you restless legs through your body when I don't have it. Anyways my Neourologist says many Drs call neck symptoms Dystonia to get it covered by insurance. It was the first I heard of it when I was labelled with it. Neuro did not do the injections. I have bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome and have had 6 surgeries (3 per side) incredible pain along with my migraines, cerivogenic headaches, plus mod-advanced disc degeneration, bulging discs etc. The Botox increased the pain severely in my neck and the pain referral down my arms. My Neuro said my neck probably should NOT have been done because of so many weak muscles. Injecting other weak ones and leaving the weaker to compensate was a recipe for disaster. Now he said the migraine sites in the head is ok. I am waiting till after the infusions. Here's to day 2...

colourful64 12 May 2013

long story short... migraines gave me seizures.. started botox injections around 2003... forehead behind ears neck jaw chin trapz... every four months... thats a lot of botox... 4 vials every time.. i have consistantly had the same doctor for 8 of those years.. here is what i know.. every doctor injects different depths sometimes it really hurts somwtimes nothing, sometimes it bruises sometimes it dont And more often than not... it works... ive had it done where it absolutely did nothing but most times it works. so two days ago i had my injections.. and this time i am really suffering with my neck. . its lalmost as if the strong toght muscles were weakened and now the lazy muscle has to work harder and its having trouble.. so yeah... sometimes it works better than othwrs.. but to me well worth it

Kobu 4 May 2013

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Magicpd 1 May 2013

I've not had Botox in my neck but hope you don't mind me commenting on you forum! Had 1st ever Botox on Monday to try and help with pain near my shoulder. Since then (I know it's still early days) but it has been stinging constantly since and hurts to lay on my back and walking my dog earlier today almost made me feel sick because of pain. Any suggestions please?! Thanks Vicky

Phil NY 26 Apr 2013

I have been getting Botox injections for the past year for my migraines. First off I have not had any of the complications that a lot of the people here have reported. I had my injection today and was actually talking to my doc about this and he said there are many factors that can cause such side effects from how the Botox is mixed to angle and depth of injection. I am fortunate enough to receive my injections every three months from a VA hospital. When serving my country I was exposed or given "something" and it resulted in migraines. Not just ordinary migraines but debilitating migraines accompanied by dizziness, black outs, weakening all over, memory loss, fatigue in addition to all the normal aches and pains accompanied by migraines such as light sensitivity. It got to the point where I felt like a vampire and could not get out of bed for months at a time. These treatments gave me back my life. Depending on who injects me, it varies each time, determines the degree of my side effects. I get about 40 injections on my forehead, side of my head, back of my head and the neck/spine area. When one doc does it the swelling is greater than when another does it. Overall I call it my lost weekend. I am dizzy all that day, my balance is shot and I have extreme fatigue. This lasts till Sunday evening and then I am a new man. For me these side effects are worth it. I hope that everyone here can find the solutions and peace that I have and not have to deal with docs that care more about the dollar than correct procedure. So for everyone out there just know that you are not alone and it doesn't have to be like this. Read about it more and find the right doc. I hope this has helped someone in some way.

Tricia G 19 Apr 2013

I got Botox done 2 weeks ago and my neck hurts so bad and I'm still getting migraines! I'm so depressed. I can't do anything because I have to keep my head rested. I would not recommend this treatment to anyone!!!! It doesn't work!

psilipo 21 May 2013

Hey Tricia, is this the first round of botox for you? I had the same problem, had more pain afterwards. was very leary about getting them done again but my pain doc explained the reason for repetition and he was right. The second time wasn't as bad but still didn't get as good of results. The third time was better,less down time and it lasted almost 3 months. I was so tense with the 1st injections that my muscles were tight and seemed to have stayed that way. My next treatment I used a muscle relaxer and xanax to calm me down and it was much better. There is hope. I hope you are feeling better soon!

Tricia G 21 May 2013

Yes this was my first round of treatment with Botox. I'm doing better with the neck pain but I'm going to the ER 2-3 times a week for migraines. I have Imitrex injections but I only get 8 injections a month. My dr wants me to go another round with Botox and promised to give me muscle relaxers this time around. Really scared to do this again.. I'm so depressed. I'm at a loss.

ilyceb 22 May 2013

I know what you are going through. The Botox had bad side effects for me,therefore I did not go for the second round. My doctor increased my Topomax and Essgic Plus and a nasal spray for migraines. Happy to say they are less than before. I feel that the Botox caused more problems and the more people I have spoken with that got the injections feel the same way. You have to decide if you want the side effects or not, I opted for another way. Good luck!

Flccc 22 May 2013

I had my first neck injections and I feel like when I had surgery it hurts so bad...I am worried sick too about it lasting 3 months..I am now in I neck brace.

psilipo 22 May 2013

Ilyceb, I am glad you found an alternative. I did try Topomax but after about a month I became very depressed and suicidal. One of the side effects - especially with people that already have depression (most likely) Thank you for your comment! =)

psilipo 22 May 2013

Tricia G, I can't believe the amount of pain a person can have in their head and neck! Sometimes I feel like I just may not pull thru. I know most of us can relate to that. I was very scared to do it the next time too. It would have been nice of them to tell us the first time that we need something for anxiety and muscle relaxants. Of course the 2nd time I did all 3, xanax, vicoden, flexerill.... It worked much better. It is good to go to the appt (if possible) without stress. I had my 4th round yesterday and was stressed about my son - but I took 2 xanax and a pain pill (stress make pain much worse). I can home and it was much, much better. I woke up this morning with a little soreness and stiffness. But nothing like before. The first time is so bad because we really don't know what to expect. Then when we find out we freak out and stress. I think that my muscles stayed stressed due to the botox the first time. I am happy that on my 3rd round I got more relief and it lasted almost 3 months! I feel this time it may be even better. I am on so many other meds, I can't tolerate much more so praying the botox will be the answer. I am sorry you are going thru this, I know it is hard. Maybe get your doc to give you something for anxiety? The stress from being in pain and not knowing what to do makes things worse. Blessings to you.

NikkiS 23 May 2013

Do you have Dystonia? If not, what does the Dr. say it is? I was diagnosed as having that, but i'm not getting better. Any info you can offer would be so helpful. Thank you so much. Hope to hear from you soon!!!

NikkiS 23 May 2013

What are alll these meds supposed to do for your neck?? Is it Dystonia that you have??

NikkiS 23 May 2013

What is your diagnosis? Why are you taking all the meds and botox and have such pain? What does your dr. say you have? Please help! I am suffering and getting no help. i got botox in my neck and the dr. said it will take about a month to see if any, results. Maybe I do not have dystonia and it's something else. So i'm thinking that by speaking on this forum, I can get some answers. Please help. I appreciate it greatly.

NikkiS 23 May 2013

What is your diagnosis? My dr says she thinks i have dystonia? What are YOUR symptoms?