Muscle Relaxants?

[cathydownunder]

I know there are some members that use muscle relaxants as an adjunct to pain meds. Does anyone use or has tried a drug called Baclofen?
Im only getting moderate relief from my Mobic anti-inflammatory and Capadex analgesic so I asked my PM doc for something else as he and my surgeon believe (I don't!) that a large proportion of my pain is muscular.
I've tried it twice in very small doses and no muscle relaxing just some vagueness and I awoke with a headache. Ive heard other meds mentioned here but they're unavailable in Aus. I might have to stick to the Valium in times of desperation as a standby.

For anyone interested, my SIJ injection 2 weeks ago was a horror! I'm still bruised and couldn't lean on anything for a week. Good news is I got good relief from the local anaesthesia for 1 1/2 days but nothing so far from the steroid component. So definitely a pain generator aagh.

[brian mccarthy]

Hello Cathy
I had more Facet and SI injections a couple of weeks a go too. I was in hospital for a week while they changed my medication. I'd been on Tramodol for 4+ months since surgery on April 22nd then switched to Fentalyn patches for a few weeks before. I had Baclofen but because I was struggling so much with suddenly coming off the other medication I stopped it altogether. I'm currently on 20mg Amitryptilne each night as a muscle relaxant, topped up with Paracetomol and Ibuprofen. The injections have eased my foot pain a bit but my back pain is still there. I was thinking maybe I should use the Baclofen now? Has it not worked at all for you?
Best pain relief I can get is from regular massage but it's shortlived.
Hope you are feeling better soon
Regards
Brian

[Justin]

Originally Posted by cathydownunder

I know there are some members that use muscle relaxants as an adjunct to pain meds. Does anyone use or has tried a drug called Baclofen?

Hi Cathy,

I have been on baclofen for the last six months. It has tremendously helped me--I can't stress this enough. It takes some time (~2-3 weeks) for a therapeutic level to establish.

I truly hope you start to feel better.

Be well,

[Eddie_G]

I have to agree that massage, though short lived, is VERY helpful. Even though my issues aren't muscular, massage helps relax and stretch my back. It sure is worth the pile of money. I go for 2 hours every week. Especially when my back is locked up.
I get headaches from Valium too. I made the mistake of taking a Valium the day after drinking grapefruit juice....BAD MOVE... I had an AWFUL stomach cramp for 2 days. I cant even look at citrus while on Valium.