Carisoprodol as a Muscle Relaxant
What is Carisoprodol?
This drug is sold as a muscle relaxant, but the way it works is not quite what you might expect. This does not target the muscles in your body. Rather it is a sedative.
How does it work?
It acts on the brain and through the nervous system carried through the spinal chord to make you feel like sleeping. So it mirrors the effect of the anti-anxiety drugs by slowing down the mind and body. In those moments before sleep, all the tension flows out of your muscles and you relax.
Why is tension in the muscles a bad thing?
Under normal circumstances, we move by expanding and contracting our muscles. If we injure the muscles in any way, the first instinct is to stop moving — it feels safer to lie absolutely still. Except the best research evidence proves this is the worst thing we can do. If the muscles stay contracted to prevent movement, this slows the rate at which the damage to the muscles can heal. In fact, it can produce spasms which are more painful in the short term. In the longer term, you will lose tone in your muscles unless you stay mobile.
How to get the fastest healing?
If the muscles are relaxed, you can slowly begin to recover the ease of movement by slowly flexing and relaxing. This means striking a balance between three different problems. First, healing comes best when you are resting. The body’s autoimmune system is strongest when you are sleeping well. Carisoprodol helps you rest. Secondly, you need to begin moving as soon as possible. This keeps the muscles toned. Carisoprodol deals with the pain and allows early movement. Third, you need to avoid further damage to the muscles. If you do too much too soon, you can slow the healing or, at worst, injure yourself further. The advice of a physical therapist can give you a safe program of exercise and avoid further damage.