NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are able to reduce pain and address inflammation, so short-term back pain or muscle spasms may respond to these OTC pain relievers. NSAIDs are also available at higher dosages by prescription.
There are no over-the-counter (OTC) muscle relaxants in the United States. But some OTC medications can help muscle issues (like soreness), such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and acetaminophen.
Cyclobenzaprine is the most heavily studied and has been shown to be effective for various musculoskeletal conditions. The sedative properties of tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine may benefit patients with insomnia caused by severe muscle spasms.
Suxamethonium (succinylcholine)
At a dose of 1 to 1.5 mg/kg, suxamethonium causes extremely rapid muscular paralysis, and optimal intubating conditions are obtained within 30 to 60 seconds.
Magnesium is a mineral with an important role in muscle relaxation throughout the body. Due to its relaxing effect, it may be used to ease pelvic pain caused by tight or taut muscles.
As a soaking solution, magnesium sulfate may treat minor bruises and cuts. Soaking in an epsom salt bath may also help soothe sore muscles, promote relaxation and relieve headaches, says Hartnett. Side effects: Taken orally, side effects may include stomach pain, bloating, nausea or headache.
Cyclobenzaprine. Cyclobenzaprine is a nonbenzodiazepine. It can treat muscle spasms that occur with acute muscle conditions when a person combines it with rest and physical therapy. Flexeril, Amrix, and Fexmid are brand names of this drug in the U.S.
Other medications can also act as centrally-acting muscle relaxants, such as benzodiazepines, but they're most commonly used as anxiolytics, sedatives, or anticonvulsants. On the other hand, direct-acting muscle relaxants include dantrolene.
Mivacurium is the shortest-acting, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent available. Its advantages include a short duration of action and rapid metabolism by plasma cholinesterase.
Another is that patients may put some pressure on their doctor to treat their pain. But skeletal muscle relaxants shouldn't be considered a first-line treatment for back pain or muscle spasms, Leonard said. He said physical therapy and over-the-counter medications like Advil or Tylenol can help lessen the pain.
Simple muscle aches and pains can be relieved with anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen and diclofenac. Diseases affecting the joints – for example, rheumatoid arthritis– can be treated with medicines that affect the immune system, like methotrexate and leflunomide.
Methocarbamol belongs to a class of medications called muscle relaxants that reduce muscle spasms. Ibuprofen belongs to a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce pain and inflammation.
Some muscle relaxants (baclofen and tizanidine) can be used in older persons, again accounting for kidney and liver function. Opioids have limited use in common spine-related pain, but can be used with caution in cases that don't respond to treatment.
The study found the best medication for acute lower back pain was a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and prescription muscle relaxer – that combo was effective in reducing pain and disability by the end of one week.
Paracetamol is an analgesic that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, responsible for pain and inflammation. Chlorzoxazone is a muscle relaxant that acts on the brain and spinal cord centres, where it inhibits the multisynaptic reflex involved in muscle spasms, thereby providing relief from skeletal muscle spasms.
Some muscle relaxers start working within 30 minutes of taking them, and the effects can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.
The results of this study demonstrated that patients with muscle spasm associated with acute low back strain benefited from the use of combination therapy consisting of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (naproxen) and a muscle relaxant (cyclobenzaprine).
Diazepam is used to relieve symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. This medicine may also be used to treat certain seizure disorders and help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine.
When you have back pain, your doctor may recommend muscle relaxants—a group of drugs that are typically obtained with a doctor's prescription. These drugs have the potential to decrease tension and spasm within a sore muscle, which may reduce pain.
If you are taking a tablet, consistency with low-dose, longer-term supplementation is the key to maximizing effectiveness. You may begin to notice improvements after about a week of supplementation, but do not waiver from your dose as directed.
The recommended dosage is one capsule per day. Magnesium glycinate is considered to be the most effective type of magnesium for bettering sleep, as it may help relax both the nervous system and your muscles.