What are some of the best medications for muscle pain?

While muscle aches typically resolve independently, people can take medications, such as muscle relaxants and pain relievers, to help reduce symptoms.

Muscle aches, also known as myalgia, can occur in any part of the body that has muscles. Discomfort from muscle pain can vary from mild to severe, depending on the cause. Many different medications are available to help treat and relieve muscle pain.

This article discusses the different medications that may help treat muscle pain.

A doctor might prescribe medications, such as muscle relaxers, for people with pain and spasms in their muscles. These groups of drugs refer to medications that help alleviate muscle pain and tightness by reducing muscle contraction.

A 2020 study adds that the use of muscle relaxants is increasing. While these medications are beneficial for short-term use, they may not be appropriate for everyone. Evidence also notes they can have adverse effects, and it is not advisable to use them long term. An older source notes that muscle relaxers are available in two classes: antispasmodics and antispastics.

Antispasmodics

Antispasmodics decrease muscle spasms by altering conduction in the central nervous system. There are two types of antispasmodics: benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines work by blocking certain chemicals in the brain, while nonbenzodiazepines act on the spinal cord and brain.

Examples of antispasmodics include:

• diazepam (Valium)
• metaxalone (Skelaxin)
• carisoprodol (Soma)
• cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)

Potential side effects of antispasmodics typically involve drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. For example, possible side effects of cyclobenzaprine can include:

• drowsiness
• mucosal dryness
• dizziness
• confusion
• dry mouth
• changes to intestinal movements
• fast heartbeat
• dilated pupils
• hallucinations

People who take drugs that affect serotonin should not take antispasmodics, as they may be at risk of serotonin syndrome. Some muscle relaxers can also be addictive, and it is advisable for people to only use them short term.

Antispastics

These medications act on the muscle cells and spinal cord to improve muscle tightness and relieve spasms. They work by inhibiting the transmission of neurons in the brain. A doctor may prescribe antispastics for conditions that cause muscle spasms, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy.

Examples of antispastics include:

• baclofen (Lioresal)
• tizanidine (Zanaflex)
• dantrolene (Dantrium, Revonto, and Ryanodex)

Some side effects vary between different antispastics but generally include muscle weakness and drowsiness. For example, the most common side effects of baclofen include:

• confusion
• muscle weakness
• vertigo
• nausea

In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication that does not primarily treat muscle pain but may help relieve pain or spasms. These treatments can include:

Benzodiazepines

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of benzodiazepines for:

• insomnia
• generalized anxiety disorder
• social anxiety disorder
• seizure disorders, such as epilepsy
• panic disorder

However, a doctor may prescribe them off-label to help with muscle pain. These medications do not relieve pain but may help alleviate muscle spasms if a person takes them for a short period. They work by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a neurotransmitter that can have sedative properties.

Examples of benzodiazepines include:

• lorazepam (Ativan)
• midazolam (Versed)
• alprazolam (Xanax)
• clonazepam (Klonopin)
• diazepam (Valium)

Common side effects of benzodiazepine can include drowsiness, confusion, and breathing difficulties. These drugs can also be habit-forming.

Gabapentin

This medication is an anticonvulsant, and doctors usually prescribe it to treat seizures, relieve nerve pain, and treat restless leg syndrome. It works by changing electrical activity in the brain and influencing neurotransmitters, which can alter how the body senses pain.

Common side effects of gabapentin may include dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.

A person may use OTC pain relievers for mild to moderate muscle pain. These can include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are drugs that help treat or relieve pain by reducing inflammation.

These medications slow the formation of prostaglandins, which the body produces after injury or illness. They also block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which helps to create prostaglandins.

Examples of OTC NSAIDs include:

• ibuprofen
• aspirin
• naproxen sodium

Potential side effects of OTC NSAIDs can include:

• gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestion
• headaches
• dizziness
• drowsiness

Acetaminophen

Also known as paracetamol, this medication can treat mild to moderate pain and fever. It is both an analgesic, or pain reliever, and an antipyretic, or fever reducer. Similar to NSAIDs, acetaminophen also works by inhibiting the COX pathway.

If a person uses acetaminophen too often or for too long, they are at risk of serious liver damage. The medication may also result in skin reactions, such as:

• redness
• rash
• blisters
• the top layer of the skin coming away

Natural options may help to alleviate muscle pain. However, more research is necessary to determine their efficacy. Some natural options may include:

• Fruits: Certain fruits, such as cherries, strawberries, avocados, grapes, and watermelon, may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help to relieve sore muscles.
• Massage: Massaging techniques may help to relieve muscle pain. This may be due to relaxing tissue and improving circulation. A person may self-massage or visit a professional.
• CBD: While more research is necessary, evidence suggests that CBD may influence pain signaling pathways. A 2020 study on athletes suggests that CBD may modulate inflammation and aid in muscle recovery.

Learn about shopping for CBD products here.

Muscle pain that does not go away or becomes severe could signify an underlying condition that requires medical treatment.

If a person has a prescription that is ineffective for pain relief, they should discuss this with a doctor. If nonprescription options are not helping to reduce symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical assistance. A healthcare professional can diagnose the underlying cause and suggest treatment options.

Muscle pains are usually not a cause for concern and typically resolve on their own. However, severe or prolonged pain may indicate an underlying illness.

A person can treat their pain with medication in the short term. A doctor may prescribe medications, including muscle relaxants or off-label options. A doctor may also recommend the use of OTC options, such as NSAIDs. All these medications carry the risk of side effects, and some can be habit-forming. A person should not take pain-relieving medication for long periods and should seek medical attention if the pain is recurring or severe.

Delayed onset muscle soreness : treatment strategies and performance factors

Review

. 2003;33(2):145-64.

doi: 10.2165/00007256-200333020-00005.

Karoline Cheung 
¹
, Patria Hume, Linda Maxwell

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ School of Community Health and Sports Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.

• PMID:

  12617692

• DOI:

  10.2165/00007256-200333020-00005

Review

Karoline Cheung et al.

Sports Med.

2003.

. 2003;33(2):145-64.

doi: 10.2165/00007256-200333020-00005.

Authors

Karoline Cheung 
¹
, Patria Hume, Linda Maxwell

Affiliation

• ¹ School of Community Health and Sports Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.

• PMID:

  12617692

• DOI:

  10.2165/00007256-200333020-00005

Abstract

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a familiar experience for the elite or novice athlete. Symptoms can range from muscle tenderness to severe debilitating pain. The mechanisms, treatment strategies, and impact on athletic performance remain uncertain, despite the high incidence of DOMS. DOMS is most prevalent at the beginning of the sporting season when athletes are returning to training following a period of reduced activity. DOMS is also common when athletes are first introduced to certain types of activities regardless of the time of year. Eccentric activities induce micro-injury at a greater frequency and severity than other types of muscle actions. The intensity and duration of exercise are also important factors in DOMS onset. Up to six hypothesised theories have been proposed for the mechanism of DOMS, namely: lactic acid, muscle spasm, connective tissue damage, muscle damage, inflammation and the enzyme efflux theories. However, an integration of two or more theories is likely to explain muscle soreness. DOMS can affect athletic performance by causing a reduction in joint range of motion, shock attenuation and peak torque. Alterations in muscle sequencing and recruitment patterns may also occur, causing unaccustomed stress to be placed on muscle ligaments and tendons. These compensatory mechanisms may increase the risk of further injury if a premature return to sport is attempted.A number of treatment strategies have been introduced to help alleviate the severity of DOMS and to restore the maximal function of the muscles as rapidly as possible. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have demonstrated dosage-dependent effects that may also be influenced by the time of administration. Similarly, massage has shown varying results that may be attributed to the time of massage application and the type of massage technique used. Cryotherapy, stretching, homeopathy, ultrasound and electrical current modalities have demonstrated no effect on the alleviation of muscle soreness or other DOMS symptoms. Exercise is the most effective means of alleviating pain during DOMS, however the analgesic effect is also temporary. Athletes who must train on a daily basis should be encouraged to reduce the intensity and duration of exercise for 1-2 days following intense DOMS-inducing exercise. Alternatively, exercises targeting less affected body parts should be encouraged in order to allow the most affected muscle groups to recover. Eccentric exercises or novel activities should be introduced progressively over a period of 1 or 2 weeks at the beginning of, or during, the sporting season in order to reduce the level of physical impairment and/or training disruption. There are still many unanswered questions relating to DOMS, and many potential areas for future research.

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MeSH terms

List of the best non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

09/15/2021

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs or NSAIDs) are widely used against inflammatory processes in the body. Medicines are sold in tablet form, in capsules, as well as dosage forms for external use. They have not only an anti-inflammatory effect, but also reduce the temperature, and also anesthetize.

The drugs have contraindications and side effects, so the doctor should select them, taking into account the individual characteristics and condition of the patient.

Action of NSAIDs

The medicinal properties of the drugs are achieved by reducing the production of prostaglandin and the blockade of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase enzyme). These drugs fight the symptoms of the disease, but do not affect its causes. Therefore, additional therapy is needed, which eliminates the root cause of the pathology.

NSAIDs are often used for pain relief in:

They are also used for migraine and other non-rheumatic diseases and injuries.

Popular anti-inflammatory drugs

Ibuprofen

The drug fights all types of pain, including inflammation of the joints, relieves fever. Often used for pain due to cramps that occur during menstruation.

Produced in tablet form.

Diclofenac

It is prescribed for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Reduces swelling and stiffness of the joints in the morning. Increases range of motion in joint diseases. A stable effect is achieved after 1-2 weeks of treatment.

Long

Means for external use. Thanks to the derivative of phenylpropionic acid in its composition, it relieves pain and inflammation. Effectively fights joint stiffness in the morning, provides increased mobility in the joints.

Dosage form of release – cream in tubes.

Voltaren Emulgel

Topical preparation. Designed for adults and children from the age of fourteen.

Diclofenac in the composition helps to relieve discomfort, relieves inflammation. The gel-like emulsion is quickly absorbed into the skin, providing almost instant action.

Relieves swelling of injured joints, muscles, tendons, soft tissues. It relieves the pain symptom of tendonitis, bursitis and rheumatism.

Available in the form of a gel in tubes.

Nurofen Express Forte

The drug is in the form of capsules. Designed to relieve pain of various origins. A popular remedy for menstrual and neuralgic pains. Relieves discomfort in muscles and joints for colds and flu. You can take the medicine for adults and children from the age of twelve. Do not take more than three tablets per day.

Meloxicam

The medicine blocks the body from producing substances that cause inflammation and pain. Has antipyretic properties. Reduces sensitivity, relieves discomfort, stiffness and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Normalizes the condition in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that occurs in childhood.

Amelotex

The drug was created on the basis of Meloxicam. Increases the range of motion of the joints. In a short time, it fights against inflammatory processes and discomfort due to its chondroprotective properties.

The course of treatment is three to four weeks. Amelotex should be applied twice a day.

Dosage form of release – gel.

Nise

Means based on Nimesulide. The active substance, in addition to relieving pain, removes swelling. Has antioxidant properties.

The drug relieves symptoms in osteoarthritis, rheumatism, neuralgia, fever, bursitis, tendinitis, ankylosing spondylitis.

Dolobene gel

The active ingredient is ibuprofen, a component that relieves inflammation and pain. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. Usually for injuries, including sports, it is two weeks, for rheumatic diseases – three weeks.

It is used to relieve inflammation and swelling of soft tissues, treat bruises, deformities, sprains.

Release form – gel in tubes.

Nimesil

Often used after surgery. Effectively acts in diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, arthrosis, etc.) during periods of deterioration in well-being. Fights fever caused by infectious diseases or other causes. The drug is good for improving the condition of soft tissues, joints. It is used for therapy in urology, gynecology, disorders of the vascular system, degenerative changes in the body.

Available in the form of granules for suspension.

Nimesulide

Clinical studies have shown that Nimesulide is able to relieve pain in a relatively short time – about twenty minutes. This allows the drug to be used to combat acute conditions.

Indications for use are arthritis, tendinitis, pathologies in the field of gynecology, infectious diseases, inflammatory processes after surgery.

Ketonal Duo

Relieves pain, inflammation, fever. Due to the prolonged action, the relief of the condition is felt longer.

After use, the drug is absorbed directly from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood, where it is maximally concentrated after about a couple of hours.

Release form – capsules with a gradual release of the active substance.

Ketoprofen

A topical agent in the form of a gel. It is used in the presence of morning stiffness of the joints, weakens the course of arthralgia. Effectively helps to relieve pain in the muscles, the fight against post-traumatic lesions.

Other treatments should be considered before using the drug. If necessary, treatment with Keptrofen is recommended to use the smallest dosage and the shortest time of use, based on the expected results of therapy.

Movalis

Contains meloxicam, is a derivative of enolic acid. It is intended for the initial stage of therapy and short symptomatic treatment. It is not compatible with other drugs from the list of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cannot be used together with them.

Available in the form of a solution for intramuscular injection.

Revmart

Indications for use are inflammation of the joints and their degenerative changes, which are accompanied by pain: acute osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, chronic polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, radiculitis and osteoarthritis.

The release form of the drug is tablets.

Paracetamol

An analgesic non-narcotic agent used for mild or moderate pain: headache (including migraine), toothache. Also used for sore throat, myalgia and neuralgia.

The drug reduces the temperature in colds and various infectious diseases.

The remedy relieves symptoms for the duration of its action, but does not affect the development of the disease.

Veldexal

Tablets and solutions are prescribed for acute and chronic forms of inflammatory diseases, metabolic and inflammatory-degenerative pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. It relieves pain of various origins: after surgery, dental pain, with bone metastases, during menstruation, sciatica, renal colic, sciatica, neuralgia.

This is a symptomatic remedy that does not affect the progression of the disease.

Ketoprovel

Symptomatic medicine in the form of tablets. Relieves inflammation and pain in radiculitis, rheumatoid and seronegative arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, cancer, neuralgia, tendinitis, algomenorrhea, myalgia. Helps with toothache and headaches, as well as pain symptoms after injuries and operations.

Ketorolac

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic drug with antipyretic effect.

It is used for severe or moderate pain after injuries, operations, oncology, arthralgia, sciatica, dental diseases, neuralgia.

It is prescribed for symptomatic therapy.

Aponil

It is used against inflammation, pain, fever. Selectively inhibits COX-2, acting directly on the focus of inflammation. Fights pain, fever and inflammation of the musculoskeletal system.

Aceclofenac

The symptomatic drug is used as part of the complex therapy of inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system, to relieve pain in humeroscapular periarthritis, rheumatism, and dental diseases. The tool reduces swelling of the joints, eliminates morning stiffness.

Acetylsalicylic acid

The tool fights pain, fever, inflammation. Blocks the production of thromboxane A2, inhibiting platelet aggregation. Helps with mild to moderate pain.

Designed for adults and children over 15 years of age.

Diclogen

The drug is used for short-term treatment of moderate pain syndrome in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, after operations and injuries, in diseases of the pelvic organs, as well as neuralgia and algomenorrhea.

How to choose and take NSAIDs?

Rules for the treatment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:

1. Tablets and capsules are recommended to be washed down with a large volume of water (at least one glass). This will help to avoid negative effects on the gastric mucosa.

2. It is undesirable to take two different drugs – the risk of side effects increases.

3. It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions and recommendations of the doctor. Uncontrolled treatment can lead to an overdose.

4. Gels and other external products are recommended to be rubbed into the skin, and not just applied. Also, the effectiveness will be higher if the agent is rubbed not on one side of the focus of pain, but along the circumference. For example, to treat the joints of the hand, it is worth rubbing the remedy both on the back of the hand and on the inside.

In order for NSAIDs to bring the desired effect with minimal risk of side effects, a doctor’s prescription is required. Since the drugs are designed for varying degrees of severity of symptoms, a preliminary diagnosis is needed.

Medicines from this article can be found on our website, in the section of the catalog “Anti-inflammatory drugs”.

The offer is not an offer, the presented preparations are a medicine, consultation of a specialist is necessary.

Does your neck hurt? The 3 most important tips for those who are tired of suffering

Neck pain can occur at different times for different reasons. The factors that enhance it are also different. We will look at the most important of them and give simple tips that will help you avoid aggravating neck pain.

1. Constant pain in the neck due to muscle tension in the shoulder girdle.

Have you ever found yourself sitting or standing hunched over, pushing your shoulders forward, straining them a lot? This usually happens if it is cold indoors or outdoors where you are, when you have to be nervous or worried, or even communicate with an interlocutor who is not very pleasant for you. Due to the frequent tension of the muscles of the neck, a spasm may occur, as a result of which the nutrition of the structures of the cervical spine will be disrupted, and there will also be a violation of the transmission of nerve impulses (the nerves extending from the spine in all its departments are responsible for this). The result is pain in the neck and shoulders, sometimes a headache.

If you rarely notice this condition, then it is unlikely that it can cause permanent pain in the neck. However, if you know that shoulder tension is a frequent problem for you, you should take steps to get rid of this habit.

• Observe yourself: in what situations do you most often tense your shoulders, perhaps “pull” your head into your shoulders.
• The next time you’re in this situation, you’ll know to watch your body tension. Inhale, exhale, lower your shoulders, relax your muscles and try not to strain them.
• Take the opportunity to self-massage your shoulder muscles to relieve tension and soothe your neck.

2. Pain in the neck due to cervical osteochondrosis.

In one of our publications, we talked in detail about what cervical osteochondrosis is. You can read the article here. Now we just recall that osteochondrosis of the spine is a natural age-related process associated with changes in the structures of vertebral cartilage. Due to the displacement of the vertebrae, often there is a clamping or infringement of the nerve roots extending from the spine to various parts of the body and organs, and constituting the peripheral nervous system. When an infringement or constant irritation of the nerve occurs in the region of the cervical vertebrae, there is, as a rule, a sharp pain in the neck. With such pain, it is difficult to turn the head to the right or to the left (depending on which side the nerve is pinched), the pain radiates to the shoulder, arm. The pinching can also cause frequent headaches and muscle spasm in the shoulder. If such a spasm occurs, the situation is aggravated, as blood circulation in the affected area is disturbed, and the pain becomes stronger.
To relieve a sharp pain in the neck with cervical osteochondrosis, topical products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac) will help.
• It is impossible to completely cure osteochondrosis, but thanks to physiotherapy exercises and massages, you can “release” the pinched nerve, and only after that you can take measures to relieve pain, which, unfortunately, does not disappear immediately.
• If neck pain is a common problem, spinal care should become regular. Swimming, yoga, therapeutic exercises, drinking enough fluids, avoiding physical activities associated with heavy lifting should become the daily norm.

3. Constant pain in the neck due to a certain lifestyle.

Pain in the neck (as well as in the back in general) occurs due to such an aggravating factor as frequent stress. In addition, one of the common causes of spinal problems is sleeping on a poor-quality mattress and on an uncomfortable pillow. Some people think that spending on a full-fledged mattress (instead of sleeping on a pull-out sofa) is too high, and the result is not worth it. However, it is precisely because of sleeping on a surface that is not adapted for this (not elastic enough, too soft, with protrusions, “ribs” or dips), back pain and complaints of poor sleep, lack of sleep, and insomnia appear. And in order to provoke constant pain in the neck, it is enough to sleep on an uncomfortable pillow for several weeks.

We strongly recommend getting rid of this factor that provokes problems with the spine.
• Mattress and pillow must be orthopedic.
• The surface you sleep on should not be soft. Pillows made of down, feathers or soft synthetic fillers, unfortunately, are not suitable for the role of orthopedic pillows. As a rule, good pillows are made using a special hypoallergenic filler that retains and maintains the desired shape. If you are aware of any problems with the spine and constantly complain of pain in the neck, a pillow with a special roller in the cervical region may be suitable.
• Move enough, swim, walk in the fresh air, do not lift heavy weights, avoid stress.

A vertebrologist or an orthopedist will tell you how to treat neck pain. Of the general recommendations, as already mentioned – moderate exercise, drinking enough fluids, and also (if there is damage to the nerve endings due to infringement) – the use of a complex of B vitamins that help restore nerve fibers. It is optimal to use a combination of a fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) and vitamin B6, for example, in Milgamma tablets.