BOTOX is actually used to treat several medical diagnoses including:
- Overactive bladder
- Severe sweating
- Cervical dystonia/torticollis
- Eye problems
- Migraines and chronic headaches
- Prostate problems
Living With Cervical Dystonia
I was diagnosed with early onset cervical dystonia (CD) or torticollis in my thirties. CD is a movement disorder accompanied by pain, stiffness, and cervical tremor/spasm - it really sucks.BOTOX treatments for my condition are administered by a neurologist, not a cosmetic specialist. The needles are very long to reach specific muscle depths in my neck and trapezius.
The injections alleviate most of the discomfort, tension, and spasm that occurs from having torticollis. It's not a cure but enables me to live with the condition and feel halfway normal.
It's suspected that being injured in auto-accidents which led to cervical fusion surgery caused early onset torticollis. Not the diagnosis I wanted to hear, but this is part of who I am now.
Daily Acceptance
Not all roads are easy in life, and having torticollis is certainly an ongoing medical challenge. It's another thing about me I humbly must accept and do the best I can each day. Life doesn't promise easy, but there is a strength that develops when overcoming hurdles.I admit being so embarrassed about it because it causes a head tremor. The late great Kathryn Hepburn also had the disorder. I felt like one of those bobble dog toys sitting on a car dash. Funny - but really not and I wanted to somehow hide my condition. The struggle is real.
Having BOTOX treatments has really helped relieve some of my symptoms. I do have good and bad days. I notice stress makes it worse and exercise is my friend to make things better.
I am no longer hiding this part of who I am so if I'm a bit shaky sometimes, it just goes along with having torticollis. This is me and I hope this share helps others who struggle with the condition.
BOTOX Treatments
I have responded well to the BOTOX treatment and thankful that it can be used for medical purposes. I have it administered every 3 months and not going to lie, it is very uncomfortable.The injections can range from more surface and into several depths of muscle tissue to locate the spasm. I wear electrodes that are connected to a medical device that picks up the sounds of my tremor. Once located, the medication is injected at that site. I receive several injections per treatment.
The following infographic shows typical injection sites and BOTOX dosage recommendations for CD treatment:
Exercise Helps
Living with torticollis can be stressful. I found exercise to be very helpful to relieve tension and stress. I get the bonus of endorphin release that provides natural healing, keeps me calm, and more relaxed.That said, exercise has become a very important part of my physical therapy for cervical dystonia. Stress exacerbates the condition and exercise is a natural remedy to reduce and manage stress.
Being a personal trainer is my passion but it has also come full circle as a way for me to manage my torticollis. This is another reason why exercise is so important to me and for my health.
Helping Others
I feel my goal in life is to help others with health and happiness. We all go through things and often times people are afraid to share their deepest fears, doubts, and insecurities. We hide behind fake smiles and pretend nothing is wrong.I understand these feelings emotionally and physically.
My hope through sharing this part of my life is to help others who may be struggling with a similar condition or other diagnoses. My goal is to offer encouragement and support to you.
I believe the only physical disability exists in your mind. You are stronger than you know and capable of great things. Just know you are not alone in your struggle.
Life is too short not to embrace each moment and do your best. That will look different for each of us and that's okay. This is real life.
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