The toxin is derived from the class of bacteria known as Clostridium and is in fact the same toxin which causes the disease of botulism when ingested or absorbed through a wound. Botulism is characterized by acute onset of flaccid paralysis. Because of its ability to block muscle tone, the toxin has been used to treat conditions such as painful muscle spasms, myofascial pain syndrome, spasmodic torticollis, cervical dystonia, and even low back pain. New Treatments in Osteoarthritis Arthritis is one of the most common and debilitating diseases affecting patients today. In this category, osteoarthritis is the most common.
Current treatment includes both medical and surgical therapy.
Although these modalities work for many patients, there are a significant number for whom more invasive treatment is necessary. Joint-replacement surgery is currently the most common surgical treatment. Recent developments, however, have given patients with osteoarthritis additional options before committing to knee replacement. Countless chronic pain sufferers use acupuncture to relieve their symptoms. This technique has been used for centuries in Asia and is now available in many pain centers across the United States.