What You Should Know About Muscle Relaxants Prescribed To Reduce Your Back Pain

Are you going through deep agony due to your chronic neck or back pain? It is likely that your physician has prescribed a muscle relaxant and advised you to take proper rest so that you are fit once again. In fact, there are many physicians who are known to prescribe muscle relaxants to relieve their patients from back pain quite frequently.

When these medications are used for a brief duration, painful cramps and muscle spasms can ease out. They are also useful to ease a patient's muscle spasms post their surgery. In case you have never used a muscle relaxant, check out the following guidelines on how you should use them.

Avoid Taking The Prescribed Muscle Relaxant And Pain Medication Simultaneously

Your physician might have prescribed you both muscle relaxant and pain medication for simultaneous consumption so that you can get a proper grip on your back pain. But it is better not to take these two drugs exactly at the same time. If you do that, there is a chance of your back pain getting simply out of control when the next dosage will be due.

The comfort level will be higher when you consume the muscle relaxant at least one to two hours later or earlier than your pain killer. Such a technique will make sure that your body has some kind of medication always for easing out the acute pain.

Avoid Taking A Muscle Relaxant If You Are Expecting A Baby

Your physician may refrain from prescribing a muscle relaxant when you are nursing our young one or are pregnant. It is recommended that you tell the physician in case you are nursing, intend to conceive soon, or are already expecting a baby. Such disclosures will help your doctor to prescribe the best alternatives to get relief from your neck or back pain.

Drowsiness Cannot Be Ruled Out

There are certain muscle relaxants that cause more sleepiness as compared to the others. However, there is no harm to be ready for feeling drowsy after taking this medication. Avoid driving a vehicle unless you are completely sure about the effect of a muscle relaxant on your body. When your doctor does do not tell you to consume muscle relaxers throughout the day, you should take them in the evening. It will help you to get some well-deserved rest as the drowsiness draws your attention away from the pain.

You Should Know About The Drug's Potential Side Effects

Some severe side effects of a muscle relaxer you should watch out for are urinary problems, constipation, blurred or hazy vision, nausea, fainting and respiratory problems. In case you suffer from any of these side effects, get in touch with your doctor immediately. They may advise you to take some other muscle relaxant that may have fewer or no side effects.

It Is Better To Stop Taking Them Slowly

Are you consuming a muscle relaxer for quite some time? It is better not to discontinue them suddenly. When you do that, certain withdrawal symptoms may bother you a lot. Rather, visit your doctor and request him or her to give you a schedule for discontinuing the medication gradually.

It's important not to expect pain relievers or muscle relaxants at every doctor visit for back pain. Visit the Phoenix Family Medical Clinic location nearest you, and our medical providers can evaluate your condition and provide medical advisement for continued healthcare and at-home management of your pain source.

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