Which muscle relaxant is best for neck and back pain?

Neck and back pain are common and can have many causes. In some cases, your doctor will prescribe muscle relaxants to treat the condition.

Stiffness and pain in the neck and back can cause insomnia and affect the quality of life of the sufferer. In some cases, muscle relaxants can help relieve the pain.

Muscle relaxants work by reducing muscle tension in a variety of ways, including acting on muscles, nerves, or the central nervous system to help relieve neck and back pain.

Some of the best muscle relaxants for neck pain and back pain

There are many types of muscle relaxants on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Doctors can choose the right medicine for each individual patient:

- Muscle relaxant methocarbamol

Methocarbamol is generally a well-tolerated option for people with new neck and back pain. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) sent to the brain, helping to relieve pain. Methocarbamol is used in combination with rest and physical therapy to treat painful musculoskeletal conditions or injuries.

Neck and back pain have many causes, and in some cases muscle relaxants may be used.

Common side effects of methocarbamol may include:

• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
• Confusion, memory problems;
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain;
• Blurred vision, double vision;
• Sleep problems (insomnia);
• Lack of coordination…

- Cyclobenzaprine muscle relaxant

Cyclobenzaprine works in a similar way to methocarbamol and is used along with rest and physical therapy to relieve muscle pain. Cyclobenzaprine is more likely to cause drowsiness as a side effect, which is a concern when used during the day (it may be best to consider a non-sedating version that can be used during the day).

Cyclobenzaprine can also cause dry mouth (especially in older adults), headache, dizziness, constipation…

- Muscle relaxant carisoprodol

Carisoprodol is used in conjunction with rest and physical therapy for the temporary relief of muscle pain. However, it is classified as a drug with a potential for abuse. Patients should not use this drug if they have a history of substance abuse. When prescribed, it should only be used for a short period of time (2-3 weeks).

Carisoprodol can also cause drowsiness and dizziness, so it is not a good choice for people over 65. Because of the potential side effects, carisoprodol should not be used as a first-line treatment and better options may be available.

- Metaxalone muscle relaxant

Metaxalone works by slowing down activity in the nervous system so that the body can relax; it is used in combination with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by muscle strains, sprains, or other muscle injuries.

This is the muscle relaxant with the fewest reported side effects and less sedation. However, it works better for recurrent chronic low back pain than for new pain.

There are many types of muscle relaxants, and your doctor can choose the right one for your individual patient.

2. Notes when using muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants can cause some side effects, users should read the instructions carefully before using. If you experience side effects, you should notify your doctor for appropriate and timely treatment. Muscle relaxants often cause drowsiness, patients may need to avoid activities that require alertness while using these drugs.

The issue of interactions with other drugs and substances that the patient is using also needs attention and this is why muscle relaxants need to be prescribed by a doctor after examining the patient.

Common medications that may interact with muscle relaxants include:

- Drugs that have a sedative effect (drowsiness): Many muscle relaxants have a sedative effect, slowing down brain activity. People who are taking drugs that affect the brain such as (zolpidem, gabapentin, opioid pain relievers, etc.) will have a higher risk of experiencing these side effects.

- Antidepressants: Some muscle relaxants can also affect serotonin levels in the brain - a hormone that affects mood. If you are taking mood-stabilizing medications, muscle relaxants can cause serotonin levels to rise too high. Some antidepressants can interact with muscle relaxants such as amitriptyline, venlafaxine, sertraline, fluoxetine, etc.

- Anticholinergics: Anticholinergics are commonly used to treat a variety of conditions from overactive bladder (overactive bladder) to digestive conditions and movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. These drugs can cause difficulty urinating, constipation or dry mouth… if taken with muscle relaxants, these side effects will be more severe.

Some anticholinergic drugs such as: Diphenhydramine (treats allergies), hyoscyamine (treats stomach and intestinal diseases, irritable bowel syndrome), benztropine (treats Parkinson's, extrapyramidal symptoms caused by drugs), scopolamine (antispasmodic, used to reduce nausea, vomiting, dizziness caused by motion sickness)...

Dr. Nguyen Phuong Thu

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/thuoc-gian-co-nao-tot-nhat-cho-chung-dau-co-va-dau-lung-172241125155048913.htm