Most people probably recognize the name Botox as a product designed to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles in the face. Its cosmetic uses are well known and have even been mentioned in movies and on reality television shows.

What most people don't know is that Botox also has several medical uses that have nothing to do with aesthetics at all. In fact, Botox is now used as a treatment option for some pretty diverse conditions.

Keep reading to learn more.

In case you aren't sure exactly what Botox is, it is actually a toxin known as botulinum toxin that is produced by a food poisoning bacteria. The effect of the toxin is to block nerves that control glands and muscles. This makes the glands stop secretion and paralyzes the muscles. In larger doses, Botox can be fatal, but in tiny doses it can be very helpful for your wrinkles and many medical issues.

For many people, migraine headaches are completely debilitating. Luckily, Botox has shown effectiveness at preventing at treating migraines.

By injecting it directly into specific trigger points, it relaxes the muscles associated with migraines and reduces the frequency and severity of attacks.

Botox works to interrupt the signals to various nerves that cause the muscle contractions and spasms of migraines.

Bladder issues like urinary incontinence can be frustrating and more than a little embarrassing. For patients with neurological conditions that cause overactivity in the bladder, Botox helps to resolve the problem.

Since the bladder is unable to store urine like it should, Botox is injected directly into the bladder to help it relax. This results in greater muscle control and fewer incidents of incontinence.

Excessive and uncontrollable sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is another condition that responds well to Botox injections.

Basically, when Botox is injected near the sweat glands, the signal to sweat is interrupted. The results are often dramatic, with up to an 80% decrease in sweat production for up to 7 months.

Botox works for sweating in the underarms, hands, feet and forehead.

Cerebral Palsy is a condition known for spastic movements in arms and legs, as well as sudden muscle stiffness and contraction. These issues are caused when the signals from the brain to the limbs aren't communicated efficiently.

When Botox is used, it can effectively disrupt the communication between the spinal cord and the nerves. This allows the muscles to relax, and the sudden jerking movements and contractions are halted.

The painful neurological disorder known as cervical dystonia is another condition that is eased with the help of Botox. The symptoms include involuntary spasms and contractions in the neck muscles that can restrict normal neck movements and cause severe neck pain.

One of the treatments for cervical dystonia is to inject Botox into the neck and shoulder muscles to help relax the muscles and quiet contractions. This effect is temporary, but it can be repeated every few months, as needed.

http://www.inmedicpain.com/chronicpain-botox.htmlIn Medichttp://healthland.time.com/2011/08/26/botox-approved-again-this-time-for-urinary-incontinence/Timehttp://www.bccerebralpalsy.com/pdfs/botox.pdfCerebral Palsy Association of BC

http://www.sweatclinicsofcanada.com/botox.htmSweat Clinics of Canada

http://www.allergan.com/treatments/neurosciences/cervical_dystonia.htmAllergan