Chronic migraines are a debilitating condition that has a significant socio-economic impact. This type of migraine is one in which the patient has a headache for 15 or more days per month. The goal for doctors has become to reduce both the frequency and severity through pharmaceutical drugs. Doctors discovered Botox as a solution for migraines accidentally while using it cosmetically for wrinkles.

After further research, in June of 2015, a European study demonstrated the proven benefit of onaBoNTA (Botox) in helping patients with migraines. According to the study, Botox was able to not only reduce the days with headaches but also led to improvements in function and quality of life. Dr. Michal Cutrer, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist notes that Botox injections are not a cure but allowing the patient to function seems to be encouraging. This may seem like a success, but the reality is that there are severe side effects that could occur with Botox injections that must be considered. These range from:

• Muscle weakness all over the body
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Trouble breathing
• Swelling or bruising at area of injection
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Eyelid droop
• Flu-like symptoms

Dr. Justin Schallmann is an upper cervical chiropractor who specializes in reducing irritation of the nerves and blood vessels that trigger headaches in the upper neck by utilizing a technique known as upper cervical chiropractic. This sought-after technique is practiced by over 250 doctors worldwide and has proven to not only decrease the severity and frequency of, but in some cases completely eliminate migraine headaches. Side effects include symptom improvement, no symptomatic change, and neck soreness lasting a few days.

While Botox seems to have promising results, Dr. Schallmann encourages you to consider other options where the side effects have low risk.

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