Clinical therapeutics
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Clinical therapeutics · Sep 2004
Review Comparative StudyCommonly used muscle relaxant therapies for acute low back pain: a review of carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, and metaxalone.
Low back pain is a leading reason for primary care visits. Many treatment options are available, but some lack scientific support. ⋯ Analgesic pain management for low back pain due to muscle spasm may be combined with a muscle relaxant. Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride has the most recent and largest clinical trials demonstrating its benefit, but carisoprodol and metaxalone also appear to be effective. However, carisoprodol's usefulness is mitigated by its potential for abuse.