How Does Botox Really Work for Migraines? What Doctors Won’t Always Tell You
If you’re reading this, chances are migraines have taken something from you.
Maybe it’s missed work. Maybe it’s snapping at your kids after a night of zero sleep. Maybe it’s the quiet dread you feel when that all-too-familiar pressure starts to build behind your eye, and you know what’s coming.
As a naturopathic doctor who’s worked with migraine patients for over a decade, I’ve seen every version of this story. And while I’m trained to look at root causes, nutrition, hormones, and lifestyle triggers—let me tell you something I used to whisper, but now say loud and clear:
Botox is one of the most effective, under appreciated tools for treating chronic migraines.
Yes, this naturopath is telling you Botox is amazing. Here’s why—and what you should know if you’re considering it.
What Is Botox, and How Did It Get Into the Migraine World?
Botox (Botulinum toxin A) is a purified protein made from a naturally occurring bacteria. Originally known for smoothing wrinkles and lifting brows, it was approved by the FDA for chronic migraines back in 2010 after researchers noticed something fascinating: patients getting Botox for cosmetic reasons started reporting fewer and less intense headaches.
A happy accident? Maybe. But what followed was years of research—and now, Botox is a clinically recognized treatment for chronic migraines, defined as:
15 or more headache days per month, at least 8 of which are migraines.
How Does Botox Actually Work for Migraines?
Here’s what’s happening inside your head:
When you get a migraine, certain nerves in your brain and neck become irritated and inflamed. They start sending pain signals to your brain, which releases chemicals that make the whole situation worse—think of it like turning up the volume on a stereo already playing too loud.
Botox works by blocking those pain signals at the source.
It’s injected into specific muscles in your forehead, scalp, neck, and shoulders. Once there, it:
Relaxes tight muscles that may be compressing nerves
Interrupts nerve pain signalling before it reaches your brain
Reduces inflammation around key nerve sites
Prevents the cascade of chemicals that trigger full-blown migraines
In short: it keeps the migraine switch from flipping in the first place.
The Most Commonly Searched Migraines—And Why Botox Helps
Botox has been shown to reduce the intensity and frequency of a wide variety of migraines. If you’ve Googled any of these, you’re in good company:
1. Tension Headaches
These are often described as a “tight band” around the head or a heavy weight on the neck and shoulders. Botox helps by relaxing those muscles, improving posture, and calming the nervous system.
2. Cervicogenic Headaches
These stem from issues in the neck—often from poor posture, past injury, or tech neck. Botox reduces tension in the suboccipital and cervical muscles, decreasing the mechanical irritation that leads to these headaches.
3. Occipital Migraines
Pain starts at the base of the skull and radiates up. Botox helps by easing tension around the occipital nerve and reducing pressure in that sensitive area.
4. Temporal Migraines
Throbbing pain in the temples that can feel like a pulsing drumbeat. Botox targets the temporalis muscle—often clenched in stress or jaw tension—to quiet this pain.
5. Frontal Migraines (Forehead)
Think: deep, pulsing ache behind the eyes. Botox injections in the frontalis and glabellar muscles help relax that pressure.
6. Cluster Headaches
While Botox isn’t the primary treatment for clusters, some patients with overlapping migraines and clusters report reduced severity and frequency.
7. Hormonal or Menstrual Migraines
While Botox doesn’t alter hormones directly, it can make monthly migraines more manageable when paired with hormonal balancing protocols.
What Doctors Don’t Always Explain—But You Should Know
In the traditional medical model, treatments like Botox are often seen as symptom management. And yes—it’s a treatment, not a cure. But let me reframe that for you:
When you're in constant pain, sometimes the best gift you can give your body is space to heal.
Botox gives you breathing room. It lets you show up for life again. And during that window, you can work on the deeper causes of your migraines without being constantly derailed.
For example, I’ve had patients who couldn’t even think about improving their diet, getting to bed on time, or working on hormone health until Botox broke the cycle. Once the pain decreased, everything became more manageable.
Is Botox Safe? What About Side Effects?
Botox has been used for over 30 years in both cosmetic and medical settings. Side effects are generally mild and temporary, especially when done by a skilled provider. Some things to watch for:
Minor bruising or swelling at injection sites
Temporary neck stiffness
Mild headache after treatment
Rare: drooping eyelid or asymmetry (usually resolves in a few weeks)
The injections are quick—usually about 10–15 minutes—and done every 12 weeks. Most patients begin noticing results after the second session, though some feel relief earlier.
My Personal Take (And a Patient Story)
One of my patients, Lisa, 48, came to me after trying “everything”—magnesium, acupuncture, elimination diets, triptans, meditation, you name it.
She was averaging 18 headache days per month, missing work and social events constantly. Her breaking point came when she had to cancel a weekend getaway with her teenage daughter. That’s when she finally agreed to try Botox—reluctantly.
Two months in, she was down to 6 headache days a month. By her third round, it was 3. We used that window to clean up her gut, regulate her hormones, and reduce her sugar intake. Now? She gets the occasional flare-up, but she has her life back. That’s the power of a layered approach.
So—Should You Try It?
Here’s who should consider Botox:
✅ You’ve been diagnosed with chronic migraines
✅ You’ve tried other treatments without lasting success
✅ Your migraines are impacting work, parenting, or daily life
✅ You’re ready to commit to a 3-cycle trial (not just one treatment)
✅ You want to reduce pain while working on long-term solutions
And if you’re worried it’s “too medical” for a natural lifestyle—let that go. Sometimes, the most compassionate thing you can do is say yes to relief.
Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Permission to Feel Better
You don’t need to “tough it out.” You don’t have to choose between a natural path and feeling good. Botox doesn’t mean giving up—it means moving forward with less pain and more control.
If you’re still not sure, talk to a provider who sees both sides—someone who values your health journey and understands the science.
If you’re in the Surrey area, I’d be happy to help you explore whether Botox is the right fit for you, or refer you to someone trustworthy if it’s outside my scope.