Should I be concerned by neck pain after Botox cosmetic injections in frown lines?

Question

I have undergone Botox injections for my frown lines 4 times over the past year. Three of the 4 times, I have had moderate to severe left-sided neck pain that starts the next day and lasts about a week. Is this a typical side effect, or should I be concerned? Is there anything that can be done to minimize/eliminate the neck pain in the future? (I love the Botox results!)

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Assuming you do not have any other symptoms it is likely nothing to be concerned about, although this is not a typical complaint after Botox.  I would discuss this with your injector to see if there is something accounting for the neck pain.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Happy to hear you love the results! Botox can lead to this side effect. Headache is probably more common, but neck pain is not uncommon. Of course, Botox is actually used to treat some forms of neck pain too. Perhaps you can consider an alternative like Dysport or Xeonim next time.
Best wishes, Dr .ALDO

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

While this isn't a typical side effect of Botox injections, the fact that you've experienced after 3 or your 4 treatments definitely leads me to agree with you that the two are related. Is your head at a funny or uncomfortable angle while you are being treated? If so, this could be the issue. I don't think that you need to be concerned but definitely let your injector know. Best of luck.

Daniel Chang, MSc, MBBS, MRCS · Answer

Dear Coalea,
Thank you for your question. 
It is common to experience headaches after botox. Neck pain is uncommon, but seems likely to be related given your presentation.
Possibilities include straining during injection, so to reduce your neck pain, you may want to try 
1.Applying a warm pack to your neck during botox to reduce the muscle tension
2. Dysport as an alternative
3. Taking painkillers
I hope this helps.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

This is not a known side effect of Botox but your experience having it 3 times it seems somehow related. Are you uncomfortable while being injected with your neck ijn an unusual position or very tense? Try taking 2 Alleve before the injecton.

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi Coalea,
Botox like Dysport is a neurotoxin and would have similar effects on you. Neck pain is listed among the side effects experienced by Botox users. Have you discussed this with your Injector/doctor? I have attached the URL for the common side effects reported.
The one contraindication that I would caution you about is difficulty of breathing. Regardless of the cosmetic benefits, once you develop this symptom (or any allergy-related ones), you need to see a doctor right away.
I hope this helps,
Justin Harper, M.D.

Should I be concerned by neck pain after Botox cosmetic injections in frown lines?

Answers (6)