Botox is a treatment renowned for smoothing wrinkles and fine lines. It can make you look younger than your years without surgery or complex procedures. A specialist injects Botox in the affected area, and you get smooth and youthful skin in minutes. You will require a repeat session every few months, but the simplicity of the procedure makes it easy to embrace as a long-term remedy. Surprisingly, Botox is more than a staple cosmetic enhancement. It has emerged as a powerful therapeutic option that relieves a host of medical conditions. The best part is that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for several medical conditions. It translates into safety and trust for patients and practitioners alike. Here are the proven therapeutic uses of Botox treatment.

Chronic migraine

Decades ago, patients who opted for Botox for wrinkles went on the report fewer headaches. After the claims, the drug was tested on people with chronic migraines. The FDA approved it for chronic migraines in 2010. Many doctors now recommend it for treating patients with chronic headaches that do not respond well to other medications. Patients are given multiple injections in different spots in the head and neck as a part of the therapy. The good thing is that the results last up to three months, eliminating the need for regular use of painkillers.

Cervical dystonia

Surprisingly, the FDA approved Botox for treating severe neck spasms long before approving it for frown lines between the eyebrows. The drug got approval as a treatment for cervical dystonia in 2000. The condition presents symptoms such as severe neck pain and abnormal head position.

Depression

Besides treating chronic headaches and neck spasms, Botox can also help patients struggling with mental health issues such as migraine. Although the drug is still under trial, early studies show favorable results.  The proposed mechanism for treatment relies on the facial feedback hypothesis, which states that facial expressions can actually affect moods. It means that you can try Botox to lift your smile and reduce wrinkles around the eyes and end up being a happier person.

Overactive bladder (OAB)

One of the most incredible therapeutic uses of Botox treatment relates to overactive bladder. A study found that women using the therapy reported only three urine leaks daily. Others had an average of five leaks in a day, showing the efficacy of this treatment option for patients struggling with leakage issues. The therapy is FDA-approved, making it safe for treatment.

Excessive underarm sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

When Botox was initially used for treating facial spasms, doctors noticed that their patients were sweating less. They studied the efficacy of professional botox treatments for treating severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis, a condition causing excessive swearing in the underarm area. The therapy got approval in 2004 and is a popular option for treating this condition. It also works for treating sweaty hands and feet.

Severely cold hands

Besides treating sweaty hands, the therapy also works as a solution for very cold hands. When injected into a patient’s hand, Botox relaxes the muscles around the constricted blood vessels. The vessels relax and enlarge, enhancing the blood flow through the hand. It reaches the fingertips and provides effective relief from cold hand symptoms. A single session can work for at least three months.

Abnormal heartbeat (Arrhythmia)

While Botox as a therapy for abnormal heartbeat is still subject to research, specialists claim it can address an abnormal heartbeat after open-heart surgery. It can be a breakthrough drug for treating postoperative atrial fibrillation, a challenging condition for heart surgeons. Although the drug is in the research phase, it shows much promise due to its well-accepted safety profile.

Cleft palate/lip scars

Cleft palate and cleft lip are common medical problems. Thousands of babies in the US are born with the abnormality every year. Many undergo surgery to address the appearance and nutritional issues caused by the condition. Botox can heal the surgical scars by holding the muscles still. It is often a challenge with little patients. Although it is an innovative therapy, the outcomes are likely to be favorable.

Premature ejaculation

Millions of American men struggle with premature ejaculation, which hinders their sex life and self-esteem. Surprisingly, Botox can help address this common male sexual dysfunction with simple therapy. Injecting the drug into the penis can delay ejaculation by relaxing it. The therapy is under the testing phase and may soon emerge as one of the winning treatments for this condition.

Painful sex (dyspareunia)

Besides helping with male sexual function, Botox can help women too. Some females experience painful sex due to contractions of the vagina or muscle spasms on their pelvic floor. Botox injections can provide pain relief by preventing muscle contractions. The injection is required only once every six months, making it a lasting therapy.

Botox can do much more than help you retain your youth over the years. It is medically validated to treat several health issues. Not to mention, it holds immense potential and promises safety.