Many of us find ourselves hunched over our laptops, cementing terrible posture day in and day out. After work hours, we’re still craning our necks toward our phones, doing further damage to our posture and body. Luckily, there are a handful of solutions to help improve posture, and something that can be a handy aid alongside things like lifestyle changes and chiropractic care is neurotoxins.
“With over 25 years of experience using neurotoxin injections to treat both cosmetic and medical conditions, I’ve seen the remarkable versatility of these treatments go far beyond just smoothing wrinkles,” says Southlake, TX dermatologist Dr. Janine Hopkins. We asked the experts to explain how neurotoxins could go beyond the cosmetic and help make your journey to better posture easier.
Featured experts
- Dr. Janine Hopkins is a board-certified dermatologist in Southlake, TX and Monroe, LA
- Julie Russak, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Dr. Janet Allenby is a board-certified dermatologist in Delray Beach, FL
How can neurotoxin injections help improve posture?
“Neurotoxin injections can improve posture by relaxing overactive muscles that pull the body out of alignment,” explains Dr. Hopkins. “For example, some individuals unknowingly overactivate muscles in their neck, shoulders or upper back due to chronic stress, poor ergonomic habits or compensatory movements.” New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD adds that muscles like the trapezius or sternocleidomastoid become overactive they can contribute to forward head posture, shoulder elevation and persistent neck strain.
“By selectively relaxing these muscles, neurotoxins can reduce strain and allow opposing muscles to function more optimally, encouraging a more upright posture,” says Dr. Hopkins. “In kinesiophysiological terms, this approach helps restore neuromuscular balance so the muscles responsible for holding posture can function properly, without interference from dominant or overused groups,” says Dr. Russak.
While Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby doesn’t specifically use neurotoxins for posture in her practice, she does “use it for thick or tight trapezius muscles to slenderize the neck, and this typically helps neck pain,” which can help holistically.
Who might benefit from this treatment?
Anyone who is looking to improve their posture can talk to their doctor to see if this treatment would benefit their specific concerns and anatomy. Generally, Dr. Hopkins says this technique can be beneficial for patients “who suffer from tension-related issues such as tech neck, cervical dystonia or even chronic headaches caused by muscle imbalance.”
Do you recommend this for patients?
The experts offer and promote neurotoxins to help improve certain postural imbalances, but only as part of a multimodal strategy. “Neurotoxin can provide significant relief and enhancement, especially for those with chronic muscle overactivity, but it works best when paired with lifestyle modifications and strengthening practices,” says Dr. Hopkins
“Neurotoxin injections are not a standalone solution. They work best when integrated into a comprehensive approach that may include applied kinesiology, acupuncture, neuromuscular re-education, chiropractic care and laser therapy,” says Dr. Russak. “Long-term improvement depends on retraining movement patterns and supporting structural alignment,” she adds. Dr. Hopkins also recommends pairing any neurotoxin injections with postural physical therapy, myofascial release or massage therapy, adjusting daily habits to be more ergonomic and Pilates or yoga.
What neurotoxins do you suggest for this technique?
“Each neurotoxin has properties that make it more or less suitable depending on the treatment area and goals,” says Dr. Russak. “The choice of product ultimately depends on the patient’s anatomy, the size and function of the targeted muscle, and the level of diffusion desired.”
When it comes to postural corrections, Botox is a dependable choice due to its consistent performance, says Dr. Russak. “Dysport offers a slightly wider spread, which can be helpful in larger muscle groups that benefit from gentle modulation. Xeomin has a more purified formulation without accessory proteins, making it a good option for treating sensitive areas like the neck and minimizing the risk of antibody development over time,” she says.
