Guidance - Muscle Relaxers

When people have pain, they will often reach for acetaminophen (Tylenol is one example) or ibuprofen (Advil is one example), and their doctor may even prescribe it.

But is this the best course of action?

How hard are these drugs on your vital organs?

Acetaminophen is an analgesic. It is broken down mainly in the liver. Too much of this drug can cause fatal liver damage.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is broken down mainly in the stomach and kidneys. Too much of this drug can cause stomach bleeding, kidney (renal) damage, blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.

Basically, what this all boils down to, is: Don’t you dare take these like you would supplements!

These are for emergencies ONLY. And with the knowledge in this manual, you will know how to handle your pain in healthier ways.

Up next, if those drugs don’t cut it, is a muscle relaxer. What the heck is that?

Definitively, they are Central Nervous System depressants, which have sedative and musculoskeletal relaxant properties.

Pop it in, wait a half hour, and feel loosey goosey for 5 hours. Great! But how? And at what cost?

There are loads of different kinds. But one thing connects them all. No matter which one you take, it is toxic to your body. They all have common side effects. Things like fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, depression, nausea, and some even as serious as liver damage.

These medications make it hard to think and function normally. It’s also recommended not to take them with alcohol, which would have a synergistic detrimental effect on your motor functions

Addiction is also a major concern for some, particularly (but not limited to) Somas (carisoprodol), because it chills you out bro. Makes you feel like it’s alllll good. Who doesn’t want more of that?

But if you do get addicted, when you try to stop, you’ll usually have to go through a period of withdrawals. So, grab your puke bucket, find your favorite Netflix special, and bring on the anxiety-filled insomnia. Either that, or use the wisdom found here, and the courage in your soul to never let it get to that point.

 

So When Should I Use Them?               

     If you just got out of surgery, go for it! If you have just strained a muscle, if you have intense pain, it sounds worthwhile to me.

But it’s best to use them judiciously. Save them for emergencies ONLY.

Opt for non-toxic remedies like massage, working out, stretching, yoga, hot tub, ice pack, sex, music, sleep, CBD, and of course, massage ;)

Furthermore, they aren’t only prescribed to relieve muscle pain, but also for
fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, and probably more.

If you are prescribed them, I’m not saying absolutely don’t use them. I’m saying try to find a healthy alternative that also gets the job done. Some people won’t be able to. And that’s fine. Life isn’t perfect. But some people don’t even look for healthier avenues, and that’s just a pity, and a waste of an otherwise healthier, happier lifestyle.