Chiropractor Resources, Chiropractic Techniques, Chiropractic Advice

The Ultimate Chiropractic Resources

  • Symptoms
  • Treatment
    • Chiropractic
    • Medicine
    • General Massage
    • Acupuncture
    • Aroma Therapy
    • Reflexology Massage
  • Techniques
    • General Techniques
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • General Information
    • Latest News
      • Levoscoliosis and Structural Scoliosis
      • Paresthesia Definition
      • Thecal Sac Impingement
      • Disc Desiccation
      • Listhesis Treatment
      • Autoimmune Inflammatory Vasculitis
      • Anterior Cord Syndrome
      • Antalgic Gait
      • Lumbosacral Spondylosis
      • Myelomalacia
      • Radiculopathy vs. Radiculitis
      • How You Can Treat Tension Myositis Syndrome
      • Things You Need to Know About Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy
      • Skelaxin
      • Can Constipation Cause Back Pain?
      • All About the Symptoms of Hydromyelia
      • Military Neck
      • Pelvic Obliquity
      • Pelvic Obliquity Symptoms
      • Physiatrist
      • Chiropractic Hip Adjustment
      • Things You Should Do to Treat Cervical Lordosis
      • About Brittle Bone Disorder
      • What to Expect in Couples Massage
      • Anterolisthesis, Retrolisthesis, and Chiropractic Care
      • Straight Spine
      • Medication: Requip
      • Things You Should Do to Treat Lumbar Lordosis
      • Straight Back Syndrome
  • For Chiropractors
    • Massage Training
    • For Massage Therapists
You are here: Home / Treatment / Here’s How Muscle Relaxers Help

Here’s How Muscle Relaxers Help

July 4, 2019 By eChiropractor Team

How Do Muscle Relaxers Work?

muscle relaxersMuscle relaxers are generally used to treat cases of acute muscle problems.  They are also used to relieve muscle spasms and chronic pain.  The muscle relaxants influence either the skeletal muscle fibers or the nerves in order to relax muscles which are tight and tense.  There are many name brand antispasmodic drugs which work in different ways to relax the muscles.  Some muscle relaxers treat acute issues.  Meanwhile, others are used to manage more serious disorders and conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries.  Muscle relaxers can work directly on the spinal cord to relieve pain and spasticity.  There are muscle relaxers that produce a sedative effect.  They are taken prior to bedtime, and they should not be used before driving.  Patients should know the side effects of muscle relaxants because this could influence their choice of muscle relaxer.1

What Are Back Spasms?

Muscle spasms in the back occur for a number of reasons.  One reason is that the muscles in the back are protecting themselves from strain.  The spasms are a warning.  Furthermore, spasms could also indicate the presence of an injury.  An underlying condition can cause spasming, and spasms that are consistent over a long period of time indicate an underlying issue.  The spasms can range in intensity from mildly annoying to disruptive and painful.  Some spasms are more easily visible upon inspection.  Degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, herniated disc, and facet joint osteoarthritis can all cause back spasms.  When an underlying anatomical problem is the cause, the spasms develop as an instinctual reaction from the muscles to the pain and inflammation of the condition.  Once the patient has noticed spasming, they should take note of the intensity and duration.  Healthcare providers will need this information.2

muscle relaxersTreatment for Back Spasms

The cause of the back spasms determines the treatment method.  Prescription muscle relaxers can slow spasms and reduce pain, and they are used for short-term acute pain.  Other forms of treatment are cold therapy, anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs), heat therapy, and certain types of exercise.  Cold and heat therapy are very different, and they are best used based on the patient’s situation and under the advice of the professionals.  NSAIDs reduce inflammation and pain.  At first, the patient should rest.  Walking is used to keep the muscles from becoming stiff, and it should not be painful to walk.  Walking is usually gentle on the back and it promotes blood flow to speed the healing process.  Additionally, some light stretching might also be helpful.3

Natural Muscle Relaxers

Natural muscle relaxers are alternatives to prescription and over the counter muscle relaxers.  Because a lot of back pain is the result of a minor strain or injury, natural muscle relaxants are often safe solutions.  Arnica oil, which also comes in cream and ointment forms, is a topical anti-inflammatory.  It reduces pain and promotes blood flow.  Cannabis oil has shown to inhibit pain and relieve inflammation in chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia.  Some essential oils, such as peppermint and lemongrass, can be diluted and used topically for pain and spasm relief.  Massage reduces tension, and it is an ideal form of therapy for chronic muscle spasms.  Massage therapy is an effective stress reliever, and stress contributes to tension.  In addition to seeking methods of treating pain, patients should avoid certain substances.  Alcohol worsens inflammation, and caffeine is dehydrating and can also contribute to inflammation.4

Natural vs. Over the Counter

muscle relaxersThere are reasons why patients might favor a natural muscle relaxer instead of an over the counter muscle relaxer.  Muscle relaxants come with side effects.  They are habit-forming.  In order to reduce the risk of dependency, the minimum amount of relaxants are prescribed.  Other side effects include drowsiness and dizziness, because muscle relaxants depress the central nervous system.  Muscle relaxants cannot be taken with alcohol, and they should not be taken with certain other medications and supplements.  Patients should make their healthcare provider aware of anything that they take so that the medical professional can warn against any dangerous combinations.  Many natural muscle relaxers do not come with these types of side effects.  Patients should always be careful about what they put in their body.  Muscle relaxers will not always solve the pain.  They are just part of a treatment plan that could include other therapies.5

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is another form of natural muscle relaxer, and chiropractors receive a lot of training in treating back pain.  The chiropractic adjustment is a natural way to realign the body.  Misalignment can cause pain and contribute to slowing the healing process.  Poor posture may contribute to misalignment, which in turn leads to pain and inflammation.  There are many conditions, both acute and chronic, that chiropractic care can help to treat.  This includes muscle spasms.  A patient who is experiencing pain needs to communicate this with the chiropractor so that they can handle the body more gently and find the issue.  Chiropractors often work with physical therapists and massage therapists to create a treatment plan for the patient.  Additionally, chiropractors can also recommend stretches, exercises, and other types of self-care for the patient to try at home.  Patients should try these suggestions in order to contribute to their healing.6

Stretches and Yoga For Relief

muscle relaxersThere are several types of stretches that patients can do to relieve back pain and spasms.  Use a foam roller on a painful area to provide additional stretching.  Different patients find that different methods work for them.  Yoga poses stretch the body and relieve stress, and two of these poses are child’s pose and cat-cow pose.  There are many other poses which focus on strengthening the back.  Patients can adopt a yoga routine that work for them in the long term, because regular stretching allows the muscles to relax and strengthen.  Stronger and more flexible muscles are less prone to injury in the future.  Patients who regularly stretch will learn to listen to their bodies and know their own limits better to help prevent further issues.7

References:

1 https://abcnews.go.com/Health/TreatingPain/story?id=4047617

2, 3 https://www.spine-health.com/blog/what-your-back-muscle-spasm-telling-you

4 https://draxe.com/muscle-relaxers/

5 https://www.spineuniverse.com/treatments/medication/muscle-relaxants-back-pain-neck-pain

6 https://draxe.com/10-researched-benefits-chiropractic-adjustments/

7 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322369.php

 

Find out more about back stretches and exercises

Email, RSS Follow

Find This Useful? Check Out These Related Posts:

chiropractic care for degenerativeChiropractic Care for Degenerative Disc Disease Lidoderm Patch MedicationMedication Lidoderm Patch Abdominal Pain CausesAbdominal Pain and Treatments EnthesopathyEnthesopathy and Treatment

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
find a chiropractor in your area
search our listings
Keywords
Zip Code
glossary

Featured Video

Recent Posts

  • How Can a Yoga Wheel Help You Be More Flexible

    How Can a Yoga Wheel Help You Be More Flexible

    November 26, 2019
  • How McDonald’s Nutrition Can Affect Your Diet

    How McDonald’s Nutrition Can Affect Your Diet

    November 19, 2019
  • How a Pillow for Neck Pain Can Give You a Fresh Start

    How a Pillow for Neck Pain Can Give You a Fresh Start

    October 31, 2019
  • A Dog Chiropractor is Not the Only Animal Health Specialist

    A Dog Chiropractor is Not the Only Animal Health Specialist

    October 25, 2019
  • Trading Painkillers for Chiropractic Care

    Trading Painkillers for Chiropractic Care

    October 22, 2019

copyright © 2021 echiropractor.org

About Privacy Policy Terms of Use Site Map Contact Us

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more.