Athena Vale
Muscle tension can be a result of various factors, including exercise, underlying medical conditions, or injury to parts of the brain or spinal cord. While muscle relaxants are prescription medications, there are over-the-counter (OTC) options available to help alleviate muscle tension. OTC pain relievers such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin can help reduce muscle pain and soreness. Natural remedies such as consuming cherries, blueberries, curcumin, or magnesium, and applying arnica creams and oils may also help relax muscles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| OTC medications | NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen |
| Natural remedies | Cherries, blueberries, curcumin, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, pomegranates, arnica, magnesium |
| Non-drug therapies | Deep tissue massage, rest, heat therapy, physical therapy |
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What You'll Learn
- Natural muscle relaxers: cherries, blueberries, curcumin, and magnesium
- OTC pain relievers: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen
- Non-drug therapies: rest, physical therapy, and heat therapy
- Prescription muscle relaxants: baclofen, carisoprodol, and methocarbamol
- Side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, and potential for abuse
Natural muscle relaxers: cherries, blueberries, curcumin, and magnesium
Muscle relaxers are prescription medications that can help treat muscle-related symptoms, like spasticity and spasms. There are no over-the-counter (OTC) muscle relaxants in the United States. However, some natural remedies can help relax muscles, including specific foods, herbs, and minerals.
Blueberries are a natural muscle relaxer due to their anti-inflammatory properties. A study found that blueberry intake elevates post-exercise anti-inflammatory oxylipins, which can help reduce muscle inflammation and soreness.
Cherries are another fruit that can help with muscle tension. While there is limited information on the direct link between cherries and muscle relaxation, they are known to contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid muscle recovery.
Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce muscle inflammation and soreness. One study found that curcumin may decrease inflammatory markers after exercise.
Magnesium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in relaxing and helping muscles function normally. It helps prevent spasms, tightness, and tension in the muscles and joints. Magnesium supplements can help with muscle recovery by reducing the buildup of lactic acid and improving the absorption of calcium, another essential mineral for muscle health.
In addition to these natural remedies, other methods to relax muscles include rest, heat therapy, and deep tissue massage. Certain NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naxopren, are also available over the counter and can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with muscle tension.
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OTC pain relievers: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen
While there are no over-the-counter muscle relaxants in the United States, some OTC medications can help with muscle issues, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are all OTC medications that can be used to ease muscle tension.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Tylenol is the brand usually associated with over-the-counter acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is also often an ingredient in many common over-the-counter medications for allergies, colds, coughs, and sleep. It is not an NSAID and does not reduce inflammation. It has very few side effects and does not cause as many gastrointestinal issues as NSAIDs. However, it should be used carefully by those with liver problems, and it should not be given to infants under 12 weeks of age.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is an NSAID that can be purchased under the brand names Advil and Motrin. It is an anti-inflammatory drug designed to reduce inflammation and swelling. It can be used to treat muscle aches or pulled/strained muscles due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Ibuprofen should not be used by those with heart disease, high blood pressure, clotting disorders, or kidney problems. It should not be used by pregnant women or those trying to conceive. Ibuprofen can also cause an upset stomach, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and inflammation or bleeding in the stomach, and it can increase the risk of heart attack in some patients.
Naproxen
Naproxen is an NSAID that can be purchased under the brand name Aleve. It is an anti-inflammatory drug that works similarly to ibuprofen. It is available over the counter at a dose of 220 milligrams and can be taken twice daily. However, it should not be given to children under 12 years old. Like ibuprofen, naproxen can cause an upset stomach, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and inflammation or bleeding in the stomach, and it can increase the risk of heart attack in some patients.
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Non-drug therapies: rest, physical therapy, and heat therapy
While over-the-counter medications can help with muscle soreness, non-drug therapies such as rest, physical therapy, and heat therapy are also effective ways to ease muscle tension.
Rest
Allowing your body to rest is a fast and natural way to relax your muscles. This is especially important if your muscle tension is caused by overexertion or exercise.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy, including myofascial release, can be an effective treatment for muscle tension. A 2015 study found that patients with muscle tension dysphonia and cervicalgia who underwent full-body manual physical therapy showed improvements. Another way to relieve tense muscles is by getting a deep tissue massage from a qualified massage therapist. Additionally, home treatments such as stretching can help relieve muscle spasms.
Heat Therapy
Heat therapy is a beneficial way to relax and soothe muscles and heal damaged tissue. It improves blood flow to the area where the heat is applied, increasing circulation and muscle flexibility. There are two types of heat therapy: dry heat and moist heat. Dry heat therapy includes sources like heating pads, dry heating packs, and saunas, while moist heat therapy includes steamed towels, moist heating packs, and hot baths. For minor stiffness or tension, 15 to 20 minutes of heat therapy may be sufficient, while moderate to severe pain may benefit from longer sessions lasting between 30 minutes to two hours. It is important to note that the ideal temperature for heat therapy is "warm" rather than "hot" to avoid burning the skin.
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Prescription muscle relaxants: baclofen, carisoprodol, and methocarbamol
Muscle relaxants are prescription medications that can help treat muscle-related symptoms, including spasticity, spasms, and musculoskeletal pain. While there are no over-the-counter muscle relaxants in the United States, some OTC medications can help with muscle soreness, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and acetaminophen.
Baclofen
Baclofen is a skeletal muscle relaxant used to treat pain and certain types of spasticity (muscle stiffness and tightness) caused by multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or other spinal cord diseases. It acts on the spinal cord nerves, reducing the number and severity of muscle spasms. Baclofen is typically taken orally, as a tablet or liquid solution, three times a day at evenly spaced intervals. It is important to follow the prescription directions carefully and not to stop taking baclofen without consulting a doctor, as doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, fever, confusion, and hallucinations.
Carisoprodol
Carisoprodol (Soma®, Vanadom®) is a muscle relaxant that blocks pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. It is used alongside rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury. Carisoprodol is typically prescribed for short periods (up to two or three weeks) as it has the potential to be habit-forming, and there is limited evidence of its effectiveness for long-term use. As with other medications, it is important to inform your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal products you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.
Methocarbamol
Methocarbamol (Robaxin®) is a muscle relaxant that treats muscle pain and stiffness by calming overactive nerves in the body. It belongs to a group of medications called muscle relaxants and is taken orally with a full glass of water. It is important to follow the prescription directions and take the medication at regular intervals. Methocarbamol may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so it is advised not to drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Additionally, alcohol may interfere with the medication's effectiveness, so it is recommended to avoid alcoholic drinks while taking methocarbamol.
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Side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, and potential for abuse
Muscle relaxers can be prescribed medications or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Prescription muscle relaxers include Carisoprodol (Soma®, Vanadom®), Chlorzoxazone (Lorzone®, Parafon Forte DSC®, Relax-DS®, Remular S®), Cyclobenzaprine (Fexmid®, Flexeril®), Metaxalone (Metaxall®, Skelaxin®), and Methocarbamol (Robaxin®). While these medications can help with muscle issues, they also carry certain risks and side effects.
Carisoprodol, for instance, has been associated with side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Due to these potential side effects, carisoprodol is not recommended for people over 65, and it has been phased out in several European countries and the UK. Muscle relaxers, in general, can have sedative effects, and when combined with other medications that affect the brain, they may lead to severe side effects.
Additionally, muscle relaxers can interact with serotonin levels in the brain, which can be a concern for individuals already taking medication for their mood. Some muscle relaxers, such as antispastic medications, can also lead to unwanted side effects when taken in high doses. The potential for abuse and addiction further underscores the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before taking muscle relaxers.
Over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and acetaminophen are often recommended as the first line of treatment for acute muscle pain. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). These OTC medications can effectively reduce pain and inflammation associated with muscle tension and spasms. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any new OTC medications to ensure they are suitable and do not interact with any existing prescriptions.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural ways to ease muscle tension include eating cherries, blueberries, curcumin, and foods rich in magnesium. A deep tissue massage from a qualified massage therapist can also help relieve tense muscles.
OTC medications that can help with muscle tension include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another OTC option.
Muscle relaxers are prescription medications that help regulate muscle contraction to reduce pain and discomfort caused by muscle spasms and muscle spasticity (stiffness). They are typically prescribed when there is severe pain, discomfort, and/or functional disability due to muscle spasms or stiffness.
Prescription muscle relaxants include baclofen (Lioresal), tizanidine (Zanaflex), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and metaxalone (Skelaxin). These medications are usually tried after OTC pain relievers and non-drug therapies such as physical therapy, stretching, or heat therapy.
