Botox for Migraines

Posted on March 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Chronic migraines are a severe, recurring type of headache that is often debilitating. Migraines have four phases, which are prodrome, aura, migraine headache, and postdrome.

Although the exact cause of migraines is unknown, researchers believe genetics is a factor.

There are a few conditions and lifestyle factors that can trigger a migraine, including:

Anxiety

Bipolar disorder

Depression

Epilepsy

Sleep disorders

Caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine

Taking certain medications or taking them too often

Migraines are more likely to occur in the morning, making it common to wake up with a migraine. Some people have a predictable pattern of migraines, such as just before a menstrual period. Other people may have trouble recognizing what triggers their migraines.

There is no cure for migraines, but they can be managed and prevented with over-the-counter triptans and pain relievers.

Another treatment that can be used for chronic migraines is Botox. Botox for migraines is a type of botulinum toxin that may prevent chronic migraines and is only recommended by a healthcare provider if a person has 15 or more headaches per month.

Although Botox is mostly known for its cosmetic use, it has medical benefits, such as blocking pain signals before they reach the brain, as certain nerves are highly active during a migraine.

To prevent this from happening, a healthcare provider injects Botox into specific muscles in the head, neck, and shoulders using a tiny needle. These areas connect to the nerves that send pain signals during a migraine. Botox travels along these connected nerves towards the brainstem and blocks the release of chemicals that trigger pain. This may reduce how often a person gets a migraine or make their symptoms less severe when they experience one.

Before receiving Botox for migraine treatment, you will meet with your healthcare provider, who will explain the risks and benefits of it and make sure that it is a safe option for you. If you agree to move forward, you will sign a consent form.

It is important to let your healthcare provider know about any medications and supplements that you are currently taking, as Botox may interact with different types, such as muscle relaxants.

Botox has many side effects, including:

Mild pain and bruising at the injection site

Neck pain and stiffness

Headache

Flu-like symptoms

Temporary changes in appearance

These side effects are usually minimal and will clear up. Let your healthcare provider know if you are experiencing any severe pain or discomfort.

The main benefits of Botox for migraines are that it reduces:

The severity of migraines

The frequency of migraines

The duration of migraines

Botox for migraines has other benefits, including:

It’s effective with long-term use and has minimal complications

It can be combined with other migraine medications

The side effects may be better tolerated than other medications available

Chronic migraines can be painful and debilitating, and trying to find the right treatment to provide relief can be difficult and frustrating. If you are suffering from chronic migraines and haven’t found the right treatment options to relieve your symptoms, discuss Botox treatment for migraines with your healthcare provider.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of chronic migraines and are interested in Botox for migraines, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Muscle Spasms

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Muscle spasms or muscle cramps are painful contractions and tightening of the muscles. Muscle spasms occur when the muscles involuntarily and forcibly contract and cannot relax.

Muscle spasms are normal and very common, and can involve part of, or all of, a muscle or several muscles in a group. These spasms can occur anywhere in the body. The most common types of muscle spasms include:

Back spasms

Leg cramps and charley horses

Neck spasms

Arm spasms

Abdomen spasms

Ribcage spasms

Chest spasms

Muscle spasms can occur in anyone at any time, including while walking, sitting, exercising, or sleeping. Some individuals are more susceptible to muscle spasms than others and experience them regularly with any type of exertion. People most likely to get muscle spasms include:

Athletes

Pregnant women

Infants

People who are obese

People over the age of 65

Most of the time, muscle spasms aren’t something to worry about. However, muscle cramps can indicate an underlying neurological condition that affects the brain. Involuntary muscle movements resulting from a neurological condition are called dystonia.

Muscle spasms range from mild to severe. Mild muscle spasms feel like the muscle is jumping around on its own and can be seen twitching. Severe muscle spasms feel like the entire muscle stiffens into a tight ball. If the cramping is painful, it may cause lingering discomfort in that area for a couple of days.

If muscle spasms result from a neurological condition, they may cause symptoms such as:

Paralysis

Muscle pain

Muscle weakness

Coordination issues

Numbness

Difficulty sleeping

Vision issues

Experts aren’t sure why some people get muscle spasms more than others. However, possible causes can include:

Dehydration

Muscle fatigue

Exercising in extreme heat, which causes heat cramps

Not enough stretching

Electrolyte imbalance

Stress

Too much high-intensity exercise

A healthcare provider can diagnose muscle spasm by reviewing a person’s health history and medications, as well as asking questions that include:

How bad is the pain?

How long do the cramps last?

When do muscle spasms usually happen?

What do the muscle spasms feel like?

When did the muscle spasms start?

There is no pill or injection used to treat and relieve muscle spasms. However, some things can be done to try and stop muscle cramps, including:

Massage the affected areas with your hands or a massage roller

Stretch the affected area

Stand up and walk around

Apply heat or ice

Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Muscle spasms can happen at any time, and because they are so predictable, they can be difficult to prevent. Unfortunately, there are risk factors that can’t be avoided, such as your age. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, including:

Stretching your muscles regularly

Performing flexibility exercises

Drinking a lot of water

Wearing shoes that fit properly

Avoiding exercising in extreme heat

Working toward better overall fitness

Staying at a weight that is healthy for you

Avoiding medications that may cause muscle spasms as a side effect

Stretching your muscles before going to sleep

Using pillows to keep your toes pointed upward if you sleep on your back or letting your feet hang over the end of the bed if you sleep on your chest, to prevent leg cramps

If you are experiencing muscle spasms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Herniated Disc

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

A herniated disc occurs when one of the discs in the spine tears or ruptures, allowing the jelly-like substance, or nucleus, in the disc to leak and irritate surrounding nerves.

A herniated disc can affect any part of the spine; however, this problem is most likely to occur in the lower spine. Herniated discs in the lumbar spine (the lower back) typically result in symptoms that affect the legs, feet, lower back, or buttocks. A common cause of lower back pain is a herniated disc. This pain is often described as sharp and radiating. In addition to lower back pain, a herniated disc can also cause leg pain, or sciatica.

A herniated disc in the cervical spine (the neck) may lead to neck pain, pain between the shoulder blades, or pain in the arms, hands, or fingers. Herniation in the neck or lower spine may also result in numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, and in some instances bladder problems.

Herniated discs can be caused by age-related weakening or wear and tear of the discs; this is called disc degeneration. Other causes include:

Sudden or traumatic injuries
Repeated minor injuries
Repeated bending, strain, or twisting
Improper lifting of heavy objects
Poor posture
Obesity or excess body weight

Some people are at risk of getting a herniated disc more than others. Risk factors include:

Living a sedentary life
Being overweight
Smoking
Working in a career that requires frequent heavy lifting
Having a previously herniated disc
Having close blood relatives with spinal disc problems
Having a connective tissue disorder
Being seated for long periods

Most herniated discs heal on their own; however, in some instances, they may not. Symptoms of a herniated disc can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to complications such as bladder or bowel dysfunction, significant tingling, numbness, or weakness. It is advisable that you see a doctor if you are experiencing these complications.

Your physician may perform a thorough physical examination and order neurological examinations, imaging tests, or nerve tests to help diagnose a herniated disc. Once diagnosed, treatment may involve medications, physical therapy, spinal injections, or surgery.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718- 206-7001.