Carisoprodol, methocarbamol, and diazepam are some of the drugs that come in the list of muscle relaxants for back pain.

The main purpose of taking muscle relaxants is to stop muscle spasms that cause moderate to excruciating back pain. As we all know, the brain through its complex network of nerves sends electrical signals to promote movement of muscles. The nerve has to forward the electrical signal to the desired muscle group, without which muscle movement cannot be achieved. These drugs that reduce muscle spasms either completely block or partially restrict the nerve signals from reaching the muscles. This helps to reduce the episodes of muscle spasms.

Types
Muscle relaxants that are normally prescribed for back pain are spasmolytics that inhibit the transmission of nerve signals to a certain extent.

Whether it is acute or chronic back pain, the doctor often recommends the following drugs to relieve the discomfort. Keep in mind that these are prescription medications and so should not be taken without the consent of a qualified doctor:

• Metaxalone (Skelaxin)
• Carisoprodol (Soma)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
• Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)

Although muscle relaxers such as Tramaden and Lioresal are available over the counter, it is advised to seek medical advice before using these medications. Usually these medications are taken before going to bed. These medicines do not provide immediate relief and it may take a while (20-25 minutes) before one experiences its muscle-relaxing effects.

Side Effects
No doubt that these medications act as excellent pain relievers but have few side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and trembling. Reducing the dosage may help to manage these side effects effectively.

Herbal Muscle Relaxants
Certain herbs display sedative properties and help to calm the muscles. Like synthetically prepared medicines, the herbs also restrict the nerve signals from reaching the muscles, thus contributing to control muscle spasms. Some of the popular herbal remedies for back pain are given below:

• Catnip
• Vervain
• Chamomile
• Rosemary
• Kava root
• St. John's Wort

These herbs are available in the form of pills but many prefer to have herbal tea to mitigate back pain. Chamomile or vervain tea is a proven home remedy for relieving back pain. Some herbs like Kava Root are sold in powdered form and have to be diluted with water before consuming orally. On the other hand, application of rosemary oil on the painful site is beneficial to reduce muscle tension.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.