Muscle Relaxant for Low Back Pain

EFFECTIVENESS: 2/5

Although guidelines recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like Ibuprofen or naproxen as first line therapy, many physicians routinely prescribe muscle relaxants as well. The research shows that muscle relaxants are better than placebo, but not more effective than NSAIDS for patients with acute low back pain.

In fact, there isn’t a lot of great research on muscle relaxant effectiveness. Most of the existing studies are old and not necessarily well done, and since many are now off patent, there is little incentive for drug companies to do new studies. Nevertheless, they are widely used for back pain.

Studies comparing how well one muscle relaxant works versus another have generally only been of fair quality. Published comparison studies suggest cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is more effective than other muscle relaxants like diazepam, but the differences between drugs was small. While the studies were only of fair quality, they do show that muscle relaxants are more effective than placebo. Exactly how they work to help patients with back pain is not understood, but part of the effect may be due to the sedating effects of these drugs.

Interestingly, some drugs, like Valium (Diazepam) are used as muscle relaxants although they are not approved by the FDA for this purpose.

Most guidelines suggest muscle relaxants work best in the first few days, and should not be used for more than 2-3 weeks.

Sources:

Chou 2005,

From Choosing a Skeletal Muscle Relaxant: SHARON SEE, PharmD, BCPS, and REGINA GINZBURG, PharmD, St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, Jamaica, New York

Am Fam Physician. 2008 Aug 1;78(3):365-370. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0801/p365.html. See, 2008

Am Fam Physician. 2008 Aug 1;78(3):365-370. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0801/p365.html. See, 2008

SELF CARE: 0/5

Muscle relaxants are prescription drugs and can only be obtained from an MD or DO, or through their physician assistant (PA-C) or nurse practitioner partners.

COST: 4/5

Costs for muscle relaxants vary widely, though most are covered by insurance plans. You can pay as little as $5 to $15 for a 2-week supply, or as much as $100 or more. In addition, there are various dosages for many brands, though there is little scientific evidence that one dose is more effective than another. The same holds true for the extended release or other versions of the drug.

Drug costs can vary wildly. Popular versions that have been around a while (or have generic equivalents) may be fairly inexpensive, but manufacturers will sometimes change the dosage and dramatically increase the price.

One recent Google search yielded the following prices, not counting any discounts for insurance:

(http://www.goodrx.com/muscle-relaxants)

USEFULNESS (overall rating): 2/5

Most guidelines suggest muscle relaxants work best in the first few days and should not be used for more than 2-3 weeks.

Combining them with NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory medications) is not more effective than NSAIDs alone for pain. While muscle relaxants are among the most widely prescribed drugs for musculoskeletal conditions, medical experts note that these should generally not be the first line drugs used for these conditions.

They are however relatively safe and inexpensive and may help reduce pain or spasm in low back conditions. However, this must be balanced with their sedating risks (don’t drive while taking these!) and other risks of heart, liver or kidney problems.

Sources:

Chou R, Peterson K, Helfand M.  Comparative efficacy and safety of skeletal muscle relaxants for spasticity and musculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 2004; 28(2): 140-175.