2. Acute back pain may benefit more from a muscle relaxant
While treating acute musculoskeletal back pain, a short course of muscle relaxants may be more effective when used as an adjunctive treatment in the first 3 weeks. They may also be used when back pain causes disturbed sleep (for their sedative effect).3Jackson KC II, Argoff CE, Dubin A. Skeletal Muscle Relaxants. In: Practical Management of Pain. Elsevier; 2014:569-574.e1. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-08340-9.00041-4
These drugs exert their muscle-relaxing effects by inhibiting nerve signals in the brain and spinal cord and may help break the pain-spasm-pain cycle, where pain causes your muscles to spasm as a protective response, and those spasms, in turn, cause more pain.3Jackson KC II, Argoff CE, Dubin A. Skeletal Muscle Relaxants. In: Practical Management of Pain. Elsevier; 2014:569-574.e1. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-08340-9.00041-4
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See Common Uses for Treating Back and Neck Pain with Muscle Relaxers
3. They may be more suitable for younger adults
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Skeletal muscle relaxants may cause the functions of your central nervous system (CNS) to slow down, leading to CNS depression. As a result, the drowsiness and gait disturbances caused by muscle relaxants may pose a risk of falls and subsequent injury, especially in the elderly population.1Witenko C, Moorman-Li R, Motycka C, et al. Considerations for the appropriate use of skeletal muscle relaxants for the management of acute low back pain. P T. 2014;39(6):427-435. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103716/,4Spence MM, Shin PJ, Lee EA, Gibbs NE. Risk of Injury Associated with Skeletal Muscle Relaxant Use in Older Adults. Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2013;47(7-8):993-998. doi:10.1345/aph.1r735
4. Potential side effects may occur
Several side effects are possible with the use of skeletal muscle relaxants, including but not limited to1Witenko C, Moorman-Li R, Motycka C, et al. Considerations for the appropriate use of skeletal muscle relaxants for the management of acute low back pain. P T. 2014;39(6):427-435. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103716/:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Gait disturbances
In patients who have liver, kidney, and/or heart problems, these drugs must be avoided or used with caution.1Witenko C, Moorman-Li R, Motycka C, et al. Considerations for the appropriate use of skeletal muscle relaxants for the management of acute low back pain. P T. 2014;39(6):427-435. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103716/
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See Side Effects and Risks of Muscle Relaxers
For your safety and appropriate treatment of your condition, always discuss any changes to your medications with your doctor beforehand. Once you’ve been prescribed a muscle relaxant, be sure to tell your doctor if you notice any new signs and/or symptoms, or if your condition does not improve, as these findings may require additional medical attention.
5. Abuse and serious risks are possible
Muscle relaxants can be addictive, so it’s ideal to use them for the shortest possible time and keep them away from other adults and children. Because these medications depress the central nervous system, breathing can be affected, and an overdose can be fatal.
Combining a muscle relaxant with alcohol or another medication that also has a sedating effect is especially dangerous.
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