Dystonia is a medical disorder that presents symptoms caused by severe, prolonged and uncontrollable muscle contractions, usually in the cervical spine. Dystonia can cause spastic head movements or abnormal posture and there not usually an identifiable cause of the disorder. Dystonia can also cause severe misalignment of the cervical spine, usually due to prolonged muscle contractions causing abnormal posture. The disorder usually presents itself in patients between the ages of twenty and sixty and tends to affect women much more often than men. Botox was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of diagnosed dystonia in the year 2000 and has been successfully used to treat patients ever since. Patients seeking Botox treatment for diagnosed dystonia should select a doctor with specific Botox training, usually a neurologist or neurosurgeon.

A proper diagnosis of dystonia should be obtained from a physician specifically educated in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder, as dystonia can sometimes be confused with other neurological disorders. The key to successful treatment with Botox is the proper selection of the muscle groups that need to be treated. One of the best ways to identify the nerves and muscle groups involved in the disorder is for the patient to submit to an electromyogram, or EMG. The physician administering the Botox treatment may use the injection at several points along the muscle, in order to obtain total muscle relaxation. To avoid any undue stress, the physician may administer a topical anesthetic to numb the skin during the procedure. Once the therapy is administered, relief should be experienced by the patient almost immediately. Although Botox provides immediate relief, the effect is temporary and the procedure should be repeated every three to four months on a regular schedule. Repetitive therapy will ensure the patient experiences relief from symptoms for a continuous period.