A compound called Botox is used to smooth out wrinkles and to ease muscle spasms, and now doctors are using it to treat back pain.

NewsChannel5 reports that research comparing Botox injections to placebo injections shows that the toxin helps to neutralize lower back pain.

There is a risk that too much of the toxin could leave the patient unable to walk temporarily, so doctors suggest starting with small doses.

Either way, the effects wear off after a few months.