Has anyone found relief with muscle relaxers?

[philome]

My doctor prescribed 5mg Flexeril daily. I took one last night and my pain went from a 8 (on a 10 scale) to about a 3. Has anyone else tried these? Can they be used long term? I'd rather not have to rely on medicine, but if this is helping me, I may have to stick with it.

I also get myofascial massages, use warm heat, take Vit B50, and am trying some new supplements for muscles and joints.

Rhonda

[Sugie1938]

My family doctor recently perscribed both Flexeril and Mobic. After a month without a huge improvement he increased the dosage, and wants me to continue another month. I have gotten some relief however my main complaints from a bad fall 4 months ago, have not improved. He has not shown any concern on how long its safe. I have done research on both, and the reccomendations are for short term use. He thinks I have Fibromyalgia, but I don't think so. I ask for Xrays, or a Mri, but he doesn't think that will be beneficial. Any one have suggestions on how long I should wait before quitting it?  

[VaBreeze]

I haven't taken muscle relaxants, but I can see where they may help to a degree.  Any form of barbituate/sedative is going to relax the muscles and provide stress relief.  If this is what is helping you with the pain management that's great...but muscle relaxants can become addictive.

"FLEXERIL should be used only for short periods (up to two or three weeks) because adequate evidence of effectiveness for more prolonged use is not available and because muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions is generally of short duration and specific therapy for longer periods is seldom warranted."

http://www.rxlist.com/flexeril-drug.htm

Supplements are always a good alternative, but let your physician know what you are taking so there won't be any ill effects with the medication(s) you are on.

Hope you continue to feel better.