Muscle spasm-related pain

Methocarbamol is a central-acting muscle relaxant used to treat skeletal muscle spasms and pain related to severe muscle spasm. It is also associated with significant sedative properties. 

Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant that relieves skeletal muscle spasms of local origin without interfering with muscle function by acting within the CNS at the brain stem. Structurally and pharmacologically related to tricyclic antidepressants, cyclobenzaprine is indicated in the relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions. 

Cyclobenzaprine is a central-acting muscle relaxant that is commonly used to treat pain from injury, muscle spasms, and other painful musculoskeletal conditions. It is structurally related to first-generation tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine and amitriptyline and appears to inhibit the uptake of norepinephrine in the locus coeruleus. Tricyclic compounds with norepinephrine reuptake-inhibiting properties have been shown to exert analgesic effects in chronic nerve and muscle pain by acting primarily within the central nervous system at brainstem as opposed to spinal cord levels, although their action on the latter may contribute to their overall skeletal muscle relaxant activity. The exact mechanism of action of cyclobenzaprine is unknown. 

Cyclobenzaprine (10 mg t.i.d.) is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant and is indicated as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of muscular spasm associated with injury related to painful musculoskeletal conditions. However, cyclobenzaprine is not effective in spasticity associated with cerebral or spinal cord injury. Cyclobenzaprine is structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants possessing sedative and anticholinergic properties. Therefore, cyclobenzaprine should be used cautiously in individuals with angle-closure glaucoma and urinary retention due to obstruction or prostatic hypertrophy. Because it causes drowsiness and blurred vision, it should be used carefully when alermess is required. 

Initially, the patient may report pain, spasm, or decreased function, but one goal of the treatment is to decrease the tonicity of the muscles. Patient symptoms appear to be directly related to the amount of increased muscular tone. The larger, more superficial muscles are easily identified, especially when hypertonicity exists. Even though a patient can be in any position, having them lie supine or prone will facilitate the process. A muscle, such as the trapezius, can be easily palpated in the cervical, shoulder, and upper thoracic regions. The trapezius between the shoulder and neck can be grasped, or other... 

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