Use of Muscle Relaxers for Lower Back Pain

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Title: Use of Muscle Relaxers for Lower Back Pain

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Use of Muscle Relaxers for Lower Back Pain

Copyright 2005 Altfeder

Lower back pain (also called lumbar pain or backache) is

very common. Virtually everyone at some time in their life

experiences a backache. Except for the common cold,

backaches account for more doctor visits and more missed

days of work than any other illness. Typically, lower back

pain sufferers experience a sharp pain or dull ache,

occasionally accompanied by a tingling or burning

sensation. The pain can result from a specific event such

as lifting something which is too heavy, but often can be

the result of numerous factors which weaken the back, such

as sitting in a single position too long, then making a

sudden movement. Most commonly, backaches are the result

of a muscle strain (where the muscle fibers are stretched

or torn) or a lumbar sprain (where the ligaments which tie

muscles to bone separate from their attachments). Many

problems can result in a backache including herniated,

ruptured or degenerated intervertebral disks, structural

problems like improper spinal alignment and scoliosis, or

pain radiating from the testes, ovaries, kidneys and other

tissues. Frequently, the specific structure causing the

pain is not identified.

Regardless of the cause, lower back pain typically involves

spasms of the muscles along the spine, where the muscles

tighten and do not release. These spasms and the associated

stiffness can result in severe pain, often leaving patients

unable to walk or move normally.

To reduce the pain, a wide range of choices are available.

These include applying ice for the first 2-3 days, followed

by heat. Over the counter medication such as acetaminophen

(Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) may provide relief.

Many physicians will prescribe Soma (or its generic form

carisprodol) to relieve the muscle spasms.

Soma is a muscle relaxant used to relieve the pain and

stiffness of muscle spasms and discomfort due to strain and

sprain. It blocks signals between nerves in the brain and

the spinal cord. It’s action is not completely understood-

Soma does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles. Its

action may be related to its sedative properties instead.

Regardless of the mechanism of action, for many patients

the reduction of muscle spasm associated with lower back

pain brings considerable relief. For these patients, the

back relaxes, pain is reduced, and their ability function

normally is enhanced.

Soma comes in a 350 mg round, white tablet. Its onset of

action is rapid, and it effects last 4-6 hours. The usual

dose is one 350mg tablet 3 times per day and at bedtime.

Many patients now order this medication from online

pharmacies without visiting a physician in person, so it is

important to understand which back symptoms should cause

you to visit a physician first. If you experience any of

the following symptoms, consult a physician.

- Loss of bladder or bowel control

- Severe back pain following trauma like an object hitting

you or a fall

- Fever

- Redness or swelling of the back

- Pain which radiates below the knee

- Weakness or numbness in the leg or pelvis

- Blood in the urine or a burning sensation when urinating

- Very severe pain

It is also important to be aware of the side effects of

Soma to assure you are taking it safely and to avoid

adverse reactions. Soma is a sedative and can cause

drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo, agitation, irritability,

headache and insomnia. Occasional allergic reactions are

known to occur, including a skin rash and itching. Like all

medications, there are very rare idiosyncratic reactions as

well. Avoid taking Soma when drinking alcohol, as the

alcohol will greatly increase the sedative effect of the

medication. Avoid driving or operating machinery when

taking this medication.

Lower back pain tends to resolve on its own. Most patients

feel significantly better one week after the first onset of

pain. After 4-6 weeks, the pain is typically completely

resolved.

About the Author:

Altfeder is the owner of

http://www.deepdiscountpharmacy.net and

http://www.buycarisoprodol.net . He is the author of a

series of articles on health, pharmacology and medicine.