For those of you who have chronic back pain, do you wind up having to stay on muscle relaxants if the problem can't be fixed? If so, do you use them as needed or do you find that it is more effective to take one prior to exercise?

Sam

Well, when I WAS on them I was supposed to take them every 4-6 hours. That was to ward them off - you don't want to take them when they START. That's not the purpose of them.

And since I'm not able to exercise, I can't answer your question about that. But I would say that YES you should take one before exercising because you WILL have spasms afterwards. You'll probably have to take one about 2-3 hours after exercising too. You can't take them too soon after you've taken the one before exercising or else you'll overdose. Usually, there has to be at LEAST 4 hours between doses and sometimes more depending on the medication. You have to be careful with this stuff.

Best of luck! Hugs, Lee

This a nice long talk that you need to have with the doctor. We are all on different meds because of different problems and other variables. I think your best bet is to tell the doctor the symptoms and how they are effecting your level of function and quality of life. Let the doctor play doctor. Don't hesitate to ask any question that is bothering you. Don't hesitate to ask why he/she is chosing a given course of treatment. A good doc is there to help educate you as well as treat the body. Best wishes.

Both of my Dr.s are aware of the effects and the medications i'm on. (I always call if something is amiss). Getting my GP to call my pain doc is like pulling teeth, so I do it myself for both. Because I'm a pain clinic client, I have to sign a contract yearly stating that I won't take any perscription drug from another Dr. regardless of circumstance unless the perscribing Dr. calls first. My GP was not thrilled will having to take the time to call my pain doc before I would except the muscle relaxant.

The general concensis was to ask the therapist. He is currently healing from donating one of his kidneys to his sister. i'll ask him when he gets back.

Thanks, both of you for responding.

Sam

Here are a few general overviews, but it really depends on the type of muscle relaxant (neuromuscular blockers or spasmolytics) and how the prescribing physician prescibes them -- as needed, around the clock, or long term (rare, due to tolerance & dependence issues).

Muscle relaxant -- Wikipedia

What Are Muscle Relaxants And When Are They Used To Treat Pain?

Muscle relaxants, Information about Muscle relaxants

At different times and for different reasons, I've had some prescribed for immediate "as needed" use and I've had some prescribed for extended use over a period of a few days. Either way I've gotten off them as quickly as possible.

Doc

whats wrong with your back ? Can you have surgery ??

I'd suggest a thorough examination by a physiotherapist to find the cause.
Might be something just not quite right, making the muscles and ligaments work overtime to compensate.
Then a sports/ remedial massage. Works wonders on sore knotted muscles.

You should then know what is wrong.
For chronic muscle pain, I take a magnesium supplement. Best thing ever as far as I'm concerned.
Strength wise: liquid, powder, then tablets at the lower end.