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Which muscle relaxer is best for lower back pain?

Author

Isabella Ramos

Updated on June 18, 2026

In some cases, your doctor might prescribe these for your low back pain. Some of the most commonly used muscle relaxants are Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), Metaxalone (Skelaxin), and Tizanidine (Zanaflex). These drugs work by helping to ease spasms in the muscles.

Will muscle relaxer help with lower back pain?

FRIDAY, July 9, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Although tens of millions of Americans turn to muscle relaxants for lower back pain relief, a new Australian review finds little evidence that such drugs actually work.

What are the top 5 muscle relaxers?

Common Muscle Relaxers

  • Carisoprodol. Carisoprodol helps alleviate musculoskeletal pain. ...
  • Cyclobenzaprine. A medication used since the late 1970s, cyclobenzaprine helps treat muscle spasms that suddenly arise. ...
  • Diazepam. ...
  • Metaxalone. ...
  • Methocarbamol. ...
  • Back Pain Treatments. ...
  • Caudal Steroid Injection. ...
  • Celiac Plexus Block.

Which medicine is best for lower back pain?

Medicines

  • Ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), available over-the-counter, is an excellent medication for the short-term treatment of low back pain. ...
  • Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) are also effective in relieving pain.

Which is better for back pain Flexeril or methocarbamol?

Is Robaxin or Flexeril better? / Which is better: Flexeril or methocarbamol? Robaxin and Flexeril are comparable in effectiveness. Some people may prefer extended-release generic Flexeril for its once-daily dosing. But, Flexeril may also cause more adverse effects like drowsiness and dry mouth.

32 related questions found

Is tramadol a muscle relaxer or painkiller?

Official Answer. No, Tramadol is not an anti-inflammatory drug or muscle relaxer. It's a synthetic opioid that relieves pain. Because it's not an anti-inflammatory drug, it likely won't reduce any swelling you have when taken alone.

How do you get rid of lower back pain fast?

Remedies to Relieve Lower Back Pain

  1. Exercise to Loosen Muscles. Although it may seem counterintuitive to exercise when lower back pain is causing you grief, the right kind of movement can help eliminate the discomfort. ...
  2. Use Hot/Cold Treatments. ...
  3. Stretch More. ...
  4. Get Better Shoes. ...
  5. Reduce Your Stress. ...
  6. Get Better Sleep.

What is the fastest way to relieve back pain?

Exercise has been found to be one of the most effective ways to relieve back pain quickly. Try swimming, walking, or yoga.

How do I make my lower back pain go away?

10 Ways to Manage Low Back Pain at Home

  1. Keep Moving. You might not feel like it when you're in pain. ...
  2. Stretch and Strengthen. Strong muscles, especially in your abdominal core, help support your back. ...
  3. Keep Good Posture. ...
  4. Maintain a Healthy Weight. ...
  5. Quit Smoking. ...
  6. Try Ice and Heat. ...
  7. Know Your OTC Medications. ...
  8. Rub on Medicated Creams.

Is tizanidine a strong muscle relaxer?

Tizanidine is a short-acting muscle relaxer. It works by blocking nerve impulses (pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Tizanidine is used to treat spasticity by temporarily relaxing muscle tone. Tizanidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Is naproxen a muscle relaxer pill?

Naproxen is not technically a muscle relaxer; it is a pain medication and also helps with inflammation.

Is gabapentin a muscle relaxer?

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsive medication that originally saw use as a muscle relaxer and anti-spasmodic medication, but later it was discovered it had the potential of the medication as anticonvulsive medication and as an adjunct to more potent anticonvulsants.

Is cyclobenzaprine 10 mg good for back pain?

Cyclobenzaprine reduces pain and leads to global improvement compared with placebo for 1 in every 3 to 9 patients in the first week. Cyclobenzaprine generally adds little to naproxen. Taken 3 times daily, 5 mg is as effective as 10 mg, with less somnolence.

Is cyclobenzaprine good for lower back pain?

Conclusions Cyclobenzaprine is more effective than placebo in the management of back pain; the effect is modest and comes at the price of greater adverse effects. The effect is greatest in the first 4 days of treatment, suggesting that shorter courses may be better.

Which is better tizanidine or baclofen?

When compared to baclofen, the results with tizanidine were about equal in most parameters assessed, except tizanidine caused less muscle weakness. Comparison with diazepam favors tizanidine in all parameters including side effects (particularly sedation). Tizanidine was better tolerated than diazepam and baclofen.

How do you know if back pain is muscle or disc?

The lower back and neck are the most flexible parts of your spine, and they're also where most herniated discs occur. While pain in your mid-back may be related to a disc, it's more likely caused by muscle strain or other issues. Your symptoms feel worse when you bend or straighten up from a bent position.

How do you loosen tight muscles in your lower back?

Lie on your back with your legs extended straight out. Bend the right knee up and cross it over the left side of your body. Hold in a position that allows you to feel a gentle stretch through the back and buttocks muscles for 20 seconds. Tighten your core muscles and rotate back to center.

Is walking good for lower back pain?

The simple movement of walking is one of the best things we can do for chronic lower back pain. Ten to fifteen minutes of walking twice a day will help ease lower back pain. Substitute this activity for a more vigorous type of exercise if you prefer and/or are able.

Is it better to sit or lay down with lower back pain?

You should lie down to relieve the pain, but the goal should be not to return to sitting, but rather to regain your ability to stand and move. "The goal isn't to get into the chair. The goal is to start moving. Walking is better than sitting," he says.

What drinks help back pain?

Cherry juice can help relieve muscle pain, which may be chronic or exercise-induced. Cherry juice is easily available to buy at grocery stores and commonly contains the tart cherry extract. Try drinking a glass of cherry juice on a daily basis and see if it has positive effects in relieving your back pain.

When should I be worried about lower back pain?

You've Been in Pain for Over a Week

Most back pain will subside after a few days, but if you've been experiencing pain for over a week, then it's time to call a doctor. Your doctor will perform any examinations or tests required to help get to the bottom of your pain before it could become a bigger problem.

What is the difference between flexeril and tramadol?

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) and Ultram (tramadol) are used to treat back pain. Flexeril is indicated as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Ultram is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults.

Is naproxen 500 mg stronger than tramadol?

However, tramadol capsules were found to be more effective than naproxen tablets.

What does s muscle relaxer do?

Muscle relaxers or muscle relaxants are medications used to treat acute muscle pain and discomfort caused by muscle spasms. Muscle spasms are involuntary contractions that cause excessive strain in muscles and are often associated with conditions such as lower back pain and neck pain.