Muscle relaxers are a group of drugs that provide relief from the pain and discomfort that arises due to muscle spasms.
Involuntary and uncontrolled contraction of muscles leads to spasms and at the time.
The contraction is so tight that the muscles become stiff, making it difficult for you to move them.
Muscle relaxers are used in quite a few conditions related to the nervous system and the neck.
It is their effect with regards to neck pain that we are going to shed some light on.
Muscle relaxers provide relief when severe muscle spasms cause neck pain.
Therefore
Before you contemplate using the drug for attaining relief from your neck pain, it is important to acquire information regarding the cause of the pain.
Options available on the market
If we talk about muscle relaxers for neck pain, numerous options are available to prove beneficial for you.
However
Before we mention the drugs, we feel it prudent to point out that you can avail of these drugs over the counter.
They are not only available with a prescription.
This is because of the potential side effects they have, which we will discuss shortly.
The various options available on the market include:
Carisoprodol (found with the brand name of Soma), cyclobenzaprine (which you can find on the market by the name of Flexeril), diazepam (having the brand name of Valium) and methocarbamol (available as Robaxin).
While taking muscle relaxers:
It is important to follow instructions to the last letter since overdosing can be detrimental to your health.
Occasionally
Muscle relaxers are prescribed in combination with other medicines such as aspirin or caffeine to optimize their effects.
Side effects that you need to be wary of
All medicines available for usage, irrespective of their indication, have a list of probable side effects that you need to be wary of.
Therefore
When you have prescribed muscle relaxers for neck pain, the first thing that you ought to do is acquire information regarding their possible side effects.
Before discussing the common side effects that you should be cautious about when you use muscle relaxers, let us point out a few important things.
It is essential to keep in mind that the benefits that medicines have to offer usually outweigh the risks, and the side effects may disappear a while after starting the drug.
Therefore
Do not give up on the drug on your own at the first sign of any side effect.
Consult your doctor
Who will be able to guide you in the right direction?
You might have to lower the dosage or change the medication as the need may be.
Emergency assistance needs to be acquired if you have trouble breathing or experience swelling in your face, tongue, or throat.
Common side effects that might come your way include
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- urinary retention.
Some drugs also carry a risk of dependency, so these drugs should only be used for short-term treatment.
It is advisable to refrain from indulging in activities such:
Driving or operating machinery after you have taken muscle relaxers as this can place you in danger and compromise the safety of those around you.
These medicines are best taken at bedtime.
If you use one during your waking hours, strictly avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing similar activities that could be dangerous to you or others if you become drowsy.
In the case of any side effect:
