Muscle Relaxers Working Out

Muscle relaxers are a group of medications that are most commonly prescribed for spasms and pain.

Image Credit: borgogniels/iStock/GettyImages Muscle relaxers are a group of medications that are most commonly prescribed for spasms and pain. These could be due to musculoskeletal conditions such as muscle strains, tension headaches, fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome.

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 They are also used for spasticity due to neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. Be aware of the side effects of muscle relaxers because they can affect your workout or make exercise dangerous.

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Antispasmodic and Antispastic

There are two types of muscle relaxers: antispasmodic and antispastic. Antispasmodic relaxants are used to treat muscle spasms due to musculoskeletal conditions, such as low-back pain.

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 The most commonly prescribed antispasmodics include Flexeril, Soma, Skelaxin, Robaxin, Norflex, Zanaflex and Valium. Antispastic relaxants are used to treat spasticity due to neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy.

The most commonly prescribed antispastics include Dantrium and Lioresal. Read more: Difference Between a Pulled Muscle and a Cramp

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Muscle Relaxers and Exercise

Although there is little in the way of literature advising for or against the use of muscle relaxers after your workout or while exercising, common sense should prevail. The most common side effect of muscle relaxers is drowsiness. Exercising while feeling drowsy can be dangerous when using exercise equipment, such as treadmills, and can lead to injury. Drowsiness can also diminish the effectiveness of your workout by causing you to fatigue early.

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 Other side effects of muscle relaxers, such as dizziness and temporary loss of vision, may prove to be equally dangerous while working out. This can affect your balance and potentially result in head injuries.

Read more: How to Improve Your Balance - And Why It’s So Important

Expert Insight on NSAIDs

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDs, be used as a first-line modality for musculoskeletal conditions.

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 If you do not achieve adequate pain relief with NSAIDs, then you may try taking a muscle relaxer. It is best to take your muscle relaxer before bedtime to minimize the sedative effects.

AARP advises that anyone over 65 not take NSAIDS as they can increase the possibility of indigestion, ulcers and bleeding in the stomach.

Short-Term Use Only

Muscle relaxers are indicated for short-term use only and should not be used longer than two weeks for acute musculoskeletal conditions. Due to the risk of side effects, drug interactions and addiction, muscle relaxants should not be used alone as treatment for acute musculoskeletal conditions.

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 They should be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories; or use muscle relaxers before physical therapy.

Read more: The Best Over-the-Counter Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Muscle Relaxants Side Effects

Certain muscle relaxers, such as Flexeril, are known to have greater sedative properties than others, such as Skelaxin. Until you know how your body reacts to muscle relaxers, you should not exercise, drive or operate heavy machinery.

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 Talk to your doctor to determine whether exercise is appropriate for you if you are taking these medications. Other potential side effects of muscle relaxers may include gastrointestinal irritation, discoloration of urine, respiratory depression, dizziness and dry mouth.

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  references & resources
  
      American Academy of Orthopaedic Society: "What Are NSAIDs?"
    
      AARP: "9 Types of Medication Older Adults Should Use With Caution"
    
      CerebralPalsy.org: "Medication and Drug Therapy"
    
      Spine Universe: Muscle Relaxants in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain
       




  references & resources
  
      American Academy of Orthopaedic Society: "What Are NSAIDs?"
    
      AARP: "9 Types of Medication Older Adults Should Use With Caution"
    
      CerebralPalsy.org: "Medication and Drug Therapy"
    
      Spine Universe: Muscle Relaxants in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain
    




Muscle relaxers are a group of medications that are most commonly prescribed for spasms and pain.

Image Credit: borgogniels/iStock/GettyImages

Image Credit: borgogniels/iStock/GettyImages

      American Academy of Orthopaedic Society: "What Are NSAIDs?"
    
      AARP: "9 Types of Medication Older Adults Should Use With Caution"
    
      CerebralPalsy.org: "Medication and Drug Therapy"
    
      Spine Universe: Muscle Relaxants in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain