The Medication for (muscle) Relaxation

Good Morning! This is The Field Guide to Back and Neck Pain, the newsletter to stay up to date on treatments and symptoms of back pain, neck pain and other chronic pain conditions. Welcome to all new readers! To those that have been here before, thank you, it’s so good to see you again.

Here is what you can expect from today’s edition:

• What are Muscle Relaxers?

• How Do Muscle Relaxers Work?

• News: Advice to increase your “health span”

What are Muscle Relaxers?

Muscle relaxers, also known as muscle relaxants or skeletal muscle relaxants, are a class of medications that are used to alleviate muscle spasms, muscle tightness, and associated pain. These drugs work by targeting the muscles directly or by affecting the central nervous system.

There are two main types of muscle relaxers:

Peripheral-acting muscle relaxers: These drugs work directly on the muscles themselves, causing them to relax. They usually act at the neuromuscular junction, which is where the nerve fibers connect to the muscle cells. These muscle relaxers are less common and not often used chronically.

Central-acting muscle relaxers: These drugs act on the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to reduce muscle spasms and stiffness. They often work by depressing the central nervous system or by targeting specific neurotransmitters in the brain. Examples of central-acting muscle relaxers include:

Diazepam (Valium)

Baclofen (Lioresal)

Tizanidine (Zanaflex)

Methocarbamol (Robaxin)

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)

Carisoprodol (Soma)

Some muscle relaxers, especially carisoprodol (Soma), are used less frequently than others. This is largely because of higher risk for unwanted side effects and habit-forming potential.

Keep reading to learn how muscle relaxers actually work!

Laugh through the pain…

How Do Muscle Relaxers Work?

The exact mechanisms of action for muscle relaxers can vary depending on the specific drug, but they generally work by either blocking nerve impulses or affecting the signaling between nerves and muscles. By doing so, they help reduce muscle tension and spasms, providing relief from associated pain and discomfort.

What are some common side effects of muscle relaxers?

Muscle relaxers, like any medication, can have side effects. The specific side effects can vary based on the type of muscle relaxer and the individual's response to the medication. Common side effects associated with muscle relaxers include:

• Drowsiness and Sedation

• Dizziness

• Dry Mouth

• Fatigue

• Upset Stomach or Nausea

Muscle relaxers should only be used under the guidance and prescription of a healthcare professional, as they can cause side effects, like the ones discussed above. Additionally, they may interact with other medications, and certain individuals with specific medical conditions should avoid or use muscle relaxers with caution. Always follow the prescribed dosage and instructions for safe and effective use.

Ask your doctor if a muscle relaxer might help with your pain symptoms and if a muscle relaxer is safe to add to your medication regimen.

In the news…

Check out this interview with a leading longevity expert about improving quality of life even in older age.

In case you missed it…

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About the Author

Les is an invaluable member of the team! He is the Lead Writer for the Field Guide to Back and Neck Pain newsletter. However, Les Payne is just a Pen Name to protect the identity of our expert Lead Writer who is an actively practicing, board-certified expert in the treatment and prevention of back and neck pain as well as other acute and chronic pain conditions. He has years of experience in this field and has treated over 15,000 patients with pain of all kinds!

Disclaimer: This publication is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication or website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No provider-patient relationship is created by this publication or web site or its use. Neither the administrator nor its employees, nor any contributor to this publication or web site, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.