I had that exact same problem. Within about 4 weeks though, I felt like I had much more strength in my neck. A physical therapist I talked to thinks it may be because prior to the Botox I used my upper traps instead of my neck muscles for many activities. That in turn may have caused/increased the migraines. She continued that the Botox may have turned off those trap muscles and now I have to use neck muscles that aren't used to being used. Perhaps by now I have built up some strenth in them which is why they no longer feel so weak. That's the theory and I'll see if it holds up after my next set of injections. If I don't have the same weakness, she may be right.
I had botox injections in June for chronic migraine. My shoulders and neck were quite sore for several weeks afterwards, but it eventually subsided for the most part, with some lingering soreness that never fully went away. Since it did seem to reduce the number of migraines, I had it done again after three months. This time there was much less soreness afterwards and so far (about six weeks out) my migraines are significantly reduced.
I have a suggestion that might be helpful for some, and an observation. First, my botox experience: I had botox injections for the first time two+ weeks ago for chronic migraine. While it has already helped prevent/reduce my almost daily migraines, within a few days I was suffering from sore neck and shoulders like others on this forum. That in turn, led to headaches, although not as bad as my usual migraines. Some of that subsided, but my right upper shoulder remained quite sore, like I had a big knot, and my neck did not work properly and caused further pain when my head was bent forward and I used my right arm. I have a torn labrum in my right shoulder which has suddenly flared up again after the botox. I regularly see a chiropracator/kinesiologist who typically works on me for about 30 minutes per session. I went to him today and he really worked on these problem areas. Right now I feel 90% better. The knot in my shoulder is gone and the torn labrum area doesn't bother me. I know it may not last, but at least it is bringing temporary help while the botox seems to be helping to prevent my daily migraines.
So my suggestion is that people suffering from stiffness and soreness might want to try chiropractic, massage or acupuncture for relief. It may end up making the botox worthwhile.
My observation is that in reading this and other forums it seems as though the adverse side effects vary in a consistent way, depending on what the botox is meant to treat. For example, it seems like migraine sufferers in general experience neck and shoulder soreness after botox and people with dystonia tend to suffer more flu-like and anxiety symptoms. There are of course exceptions, and those using it cosmetically experience a variety of the symptoms. But it makes me wonder if the pre-existing conditions of the people being treated are correlated with the post botox symptoms. I know my neck and shoulders have always been a problem area and the botox seems to make it worse. I think this probably makes sense because we are basically injecting toxins into our body so the areas that are already weak will be more likely to manifest adverse effects. In my case, I feel that if I can have success in managing the adverse side effects with chiropractic and massage, the benefits of the botox might turn out to be worthwhile. Just a thought. I'm very sorry for those of you who have much more debilitating side effects than me and can't seem to find relief.
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So my suggestion is that people suffering from stiffness and soreness might want to try chiropractic, massage or acupuncture for relief. It may end up making the botox worthwhile.
My observation is that in reading this and other forums it seems as though the adverse side effects vary in a consistent way, depending on what the botox is meant to treat. For example, it seems like migraine sufferers in general experience neck and shoulder soreness after botox and people with dystonia tend to suffer more flu-like and anxiety symptoms. There are of course exceptions, and those using it cosmetically experience a variety of the symptoms. But it makes me wonder if the pre-existing conditions of the people being treated are correlated with the post botox symptoms. I know my neck and shoulders have always been a problem area and the botox seems to make it worse. I think this probably makes sense because we are basically injecting toxins into our body so the areas that are already weak will be more likely to manifest adverse effects. In my case, I feel that if I can have success in managing the adverse side effects with chiropractic and massage, the benefits of the botox might turn out to be worthwhile. Just a thought. I'm very sorry for those of you who have much more debilitating side effects than me and can't seem to find relief.