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Best Muscle Relaxer Reviewed
However, since the market is flooded with tons of muscle relaxers, it’s not easy to find a brand that actually works. In this review, we cover the best relaxers in the market. These products are sure to provide you with much-needed relief and help you keep the persistent pain in check.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Application
Choose an application method you are comfortable with.
Muscle relaxers exist in different forms, so your preferred means of medication administration should guide your purchase. Regardless of the application method, the prescriptions all work well when it comes to pain relief.
Muscle relaxers in the form of creams, oils, or lotion require you to rub the sore area with the fluid. When rubbed on your skin, the ingredients penetrate deep into your skeletal system and relieve you of the pain. You won’t always be able to administer this kind of medication by yourself. At times, you will need an extra pair of hands to massage hard to reach areas like your back.
The oils and cream have a potent smell, and there is an alternative for people looking to avoid the sting. Pills and injections may be the easiest way of taking these pain medications, without having to deal with the smell. All you have to do is take the prescription by mouth when you are in pain or get an injection that goes directly to your bloodstream and begin the process of soothing the agony away.
The different methods have their pros and cons: therefore, it is wise to seek a physician's advice rather than buying the drugs over the counter. Professional guidance can prevent you from exposing yourself to unnecessary risks.
Effectiveness
The best muscle relaxers should relieve you of pain in the shortest time possible.
Sore muscles can cause you discomfort, so these prescriptions should offer relief almost immediately after administration. The medication should also last for a reasonable duration before it starts wearing off. Despite the medication’s other properties, it is essential to take note of those two factors.
The brands manufacture the relaxers in varying concentrations, and this directly affects the effectiveness of the medication. However, you should take note of your pain level before you decide to settle on a highly concentrated relaxant medication. The idea is to avoid the potential consumption of stronger prescription if you don’t really need them.
Some muscle medications are meant for specific functions, so you have to be careful about the kinds of relaxants you take. People often can’t tell the difference between muscle spasms and muscle spasticity, and these require different types of medication.
Muscle spasms are relieved using antispasmodics, while muscle spasticity is treated using antispastics. Antispasmodics can treat muscle spasticity, but antispastics should not be used to treat muscle spasms. This peculiarity is why seeking medical advice can help you get the most effective medication for your condition.
Responsiveness
Use a product that responds to your body.
As much as the human anatomy does not differ much from one person to the next, people are not identical, and the muscle relieving medications may not work the same way for everyone. A particular type of therapy can work well for someone, but it may not work for the next person. There are many product varieties, and you should only settle for what responds well to your needs.
Do not be surprised when a recommended brand does not effectively soothe your sore muscles: people are different. Try these quality products outlined in this guide to get a product that will help you out. They are all versatile and can work on different parts of your body.
One advantage is that this type of medication comes in a variety of forms. In case you find that oil and cream do not penetrate your muscles well, you can always switch up and take relaxants as pills. The injections are also available and the fastest way of getting the medication to your bloodstream. However, it’s not advisable to mix the different forms of medicine. It is safer to alternate from one variant to another after completing a prescription.
Some people are sensitive, and their bodies react to a change of brands. You should try and stick to a variation that is responsive to you and has minimal or zero negative effects on your body.
Side Effects
Every action has a reaction.
Most relaxers have side effects regardless of the quantity taken. The after-effects are often mild and manageable. That is why the drugs are meant for short-term use only. Continuing your intake after finishing the prescription is dangerous because some of them have adverse effects like liver damage.
Besides their capacity to create dependence among long-term users, the drugs have identifiable side effects. Relaxants often lead to muscular effects, fatigue, and slackness. Others report mild physical side effects, with the frequently occurring symptom among patients being slackness. They could also be cases of gastrointestinal discomfort, queasiness, and regurgitation.
People also experience decreased blood pressure, depression, constipation, dry mouth, and fatigue as some of the mild side effects of the medication. They do not last for a long time, but it is best to avoid heavy workloads or operation of machinery after administration.
Other than liver damage, prolonged usage of these relaxers can lead to blurred vision, fainting, urinary retention, and confusion. Some of these conditions can be life threatening if you are in precarious locations. You should avoid possible risks of unwanted effects by paying attention to the given instructions.
Moreover, prolonged use of the medication can lead to addiction. Cyclobenzaprine is an example of addictive relaxant drugs. It has a tranquilizer-like effect that makes one feel relaxed, and that is how people become dependent on the drug. They use it for the longest time and, though rare, some even end up dying from an overdose. Be keen to follow the prescription as outlined.
Brand
Always do a background check when using a new brand.
There are many muscle relaxant manufacturers with different brands in the market. These variances make it hard to differentiate between buying an authentic product, a product that was manufactured in a sub-standard factory, or homegrown alternatives. Some individuals will go to great lengths to make a profit at the cost of other people’s safety.
Before you make a purchase, make sure you do a background check to ascertain the legitimacy of the brand. You should also check out the type of ingredients used to avoid any allergic reaction. Some brands manufacture without the necessary licenses and are most likely to use unregulated components.
Some brands are well known; however, counterfeits are bound to exist in the market. Counterfeit products cause conditions such as acute dystonic reaction where the muscles of the tongue, face, or neck contract involuntary. This condition may last for hours or even days, but it is not life threatening. Ensure you buy your medication from verified retailers or pharmacies at all times.
Top 10 Picks
1. Penetrex Cream
This muscle relaxer is a consumer favorite in over a hundred countries, totaling to over two million customers. The high number of people purchasing it should give you a sense of the product’s quality and effectiveness.
The manufacturer also offers a 100% money-back guarantee, offering you a risk-free purchase. Penetrex cream is worth the buy because it’s great for your feet, knees, hands, neck, and back. You can also use it with other devices such as heating pads, massagers, and the likes.
Penetrex is made in America with strict manufacturing guidelines. The manufacturer does not condone animal testing as well. Its scent dissipates quickly after use and does not stain or leave grease on your clothes. The people behind this formulation have spent many years in research and development, continuously refining it.
It doesn’t mask pain by creating artificial cooling or warming. Instead, it delivers clinically proven ingredients, including vitamin B6 deep into the afflicted tissue. The root cause of the inflammation is thus dealt with comprehensively.
This product stands out in two ways. First, it has a large following of people who use and stand by it. Second, it helps treat a wide range of issues. Most of the times, products that are hyped that much, are often hoaxes. However, with so many people behind it, there is reason to believe that it’s truly legit.
2. New York Biology
This massage oil is perfect for stiff joints, sore muscles, deep tissue, back, foot, and even face massages. It’s all-natural, paraben-free, preservative-free and animal cruelty-free. You can also pour the concoction into a warm bath and create a fragrant spa bath. However, most people gently rub it on damp skin after a shower and get to the root cause of the problem.
Even though it’s bottled in the USA, its high quality essential oils are sourced from all over the world. The product is available in different aromas, namely, rosemary, lemongrass, clementine, tea tree, and ginger. All its variations conform to strict FDA approvals, guaranteeing the highest manufacturing standards.
Whether you want to unwind after a long day at work or have a cramp, the New York Biology alternative has got you covered. Many people appreciate its soothing scents, so you can gift one to your significant other, who is sure to appreciate the gesture. With the versatility and effectiveness that this product offers, it should be a must-have for every home.
3. Maple Holistics
This product is more than just a massage oil. It’s made of natural ingredients and glides smoothly on your skin. It also has an alluring aroma and relieves people of various pains. Additionally, it will soften your skin and has anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, and cellulite killing properties.
This muscle relaxer won’t harm your skin in any way, because it doesn’t contain any harmful additives. The ingredients comprise of elements like jojoba oil, lavender, lemon, basil, rosemary, and sweet almond oil. These contents make it a fantastic product not only for your muscles but for your skin as well.
It helps users find relief from painful knots, aches, tension, muscle pain, and joint pains. The aromas also help relax and calm a stressed mind. It makes your skin look younger and healthier as it provides nourishment and moisturizes it.
When applying it, you will feel good in an instant. It doesn’t take too long to work. Users like how it does not feel sticky or greasy on their skin, which cannot be said for other competing brands in the market. It is also incredibly versatile and reasonably priced as well.
4. Village Naturals Therapy
Once you apply this lotion on your skin, you’ll start to feel like the younger version of yourself. If you like to work and play hard, then this product should be a permanent fixture in your cabinet. It’s infused with extracts, essential oils, and menthol to soften your skin and relax your body so that you can feel like yourself again.
The formula is highly concentrated, meaning that a little spread of the lotion goes a long way. Just two capfuls will fill the room with a relaxing and revitalizing aroma. You can use it to find relief from everyday body aches. It also helps with blood circulation, which improves the appearance of your skin as well.
Whether you want a quick footbath, or need a long and much-needed soak in the tub, this all-natural lotion will do the magic. You will feel the difference in a short amount of time. It’s an excellent gift for people who live an active lifestyle. Actually, that’s how this product got so far, in the little time it’s been in the market: through positive word of mouth.
5. Prime Natural Muscle Relief
The Prime Natural Muscle Relief blend combines potent analgesic oils, which have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Using it helps relieve you of many ailments like muscle spasms, pain, stiffness, joint, and backaches. It works by opening up blood vessels close to the afflicted surface, thereby increasing blood flow and alleviating sore muscles from aches and pains.
This muscle relaxer works fast, so you can get back to the best version of yourself, free from constricting pains. The ingredients used are wintergreen, camphor, German chamomile, eucalyptus, and peppermint. All these elements are natural, undiluted, pure, non-synthetic, GMO-free, and have a soothing scent altogether.
Its application is quite easy since all you’ll have to do is rub it on the afflicted areas. However, you should dilute the blend with water or other oils, if you have sensitive skin. You can add a few drops to your bathtub and have your very own home spa. Doctors and dermatologists stand by its therapeutic properties, so we highly recommend it.
The concentrate is packaged in a high quality dark amber glass bottle, with a dropper featuring a tamper-proof seal. These properties ensure that not a single drop of this valuable liquid goes to waste.
6. Blue Spring Super Blue Stuff
The active ingredient found in Blue Stuff is methanol: a natural flavoring extracted from peppermint. When applied to the body, methanol has analgesic effects, which helps soothe sore muscles. This effect is seen to be almost instantaneous and goes on for hours on end. The methanol in Blue Stuff also provides a cooling sensation on your body when applied.
Moreover, methanol blocks pain signals from reaching the brain, thus eliminating pain in the shortest time possible. Blue Stuff also contains willow bark extract. This element has pain-killing effects, similar to aspirin.
Blue stuff has aloe vera leaf extract as well. The sap from this plant is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that soothes the pain as well. This product also contains ascorbyl palmitate, a compound formed from palmitic acid, ascorbic acid, and fatty acids found in plants and animals. Ascorbyl Palmitate is an antioxidant and a natural source of vitamin C.
This pain relief cream has emu oil, which reduces visible signs of aging. Emu oil also contains linoleic acid that eases muscle and joint pain. You won’t experience any side effects while using it in your quest to combat soreness in the joints. The manufacturer guarantees that you will find reprieve from arthritis, bruises, backache, sprains, strains, and muscle pain, within five minutes of applying it.
7. Plant Guru Deep Muscle
The Plant Guru Deep Muscle blend of essential oils alleviates muscle aches slowly but surely. When applied topically, it penetrates deep into sore muscles, giving off an icy sensation. You can also mix this concentrate with your bath water, for a sore muscle soak. This blend comes in a wide assortment of over 15 different scents that will certainly stimulate your senses.
Ever since its launch, people have continued to find more uses for this product. Some use it for its original purpose as a muscle relaxer, while others use it in their diffuser for fresh, light, and clean scents. The blends also help with sinuses, thanks to their active ingredients.
Whatever the purpose, it just goes to show how good the product is when people find other uses for it. It has a stopper that is designed in such a way that not a single drop of the liquid goes to waste.
The best thing about it is that it doesn’t contain any synthetics or chemicals, despite having so many variants. The all-natural blends reduce the chances of adverse side effects when using the Plant Guru Deep Muscle blend.
8. DC Relief Cream
The 1TDC Relief cream is transdermal, meaning it reaches deep into joints and muscles to provide relief faster than other topical creams. You can expect long lasting results in about 5-10 minutes of the application. The formulation has FDA approval, meaning that it’s safe for use. Clinical tests have also yielded positive peer reviews.
1TDC is an acronym for TetraDecanol Complex. This molecule is a soft gel that promotes healthy joints and flexibility. The cellular lubricator works all over the body. For that reason, you’ll not only find comfort in an area where the pain is localized but also on your entire body.
1TDC is derived from beef fat, and the manufacturer patented the blend. It works on a wide range of joint issues, including but not limited to tendons, muscles, and deep tissue. Many find it more effective than other blends that contain elements such as glucosamine, MSM, and others.
9. Artizen Muscle Relief
This potent mixture is a proprietary blend of therapeutic grade essential oils, which gently alleviate painful muscle aches. When applying it on sore and tight areas through the European dropper cap, you will feel an icy sensation as it penetrates your skin. Apply it on your muscles before and after exercise to get the upper hand over any tension.
You can use hot or cold compression after applying this product to increase its effectiveness. If you have sensitive skin, you are advised to dilute the concentrate with oils like jojoba or coconut. You can confirm if you are sensitive to the blend by first applying a small patch of the lotion on your skin.
The manufacturer is so confident in the concentrate, that if you are not satisfied in whatever way, you can return it and get a full refund. Therefore, you have nothing to lose when purchasing this non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing blend of essential oils. The high quality glass bottle also protects the essential oils against degradation, thanks to the UV colored coating.
10. Shankara Muscle Release Oil
Shankara Oil is manufactured in small batches, through a unique method, to ensure the integrity of the product. The manufacturing process is painstakingly challenging, but worth it. The water used in the formulation is structured, meaning it has low surface tension. As a result, it increases the active ingredients’ depth and rate of absorption.
Unlike many other topical pain relievers, Shankara does not leave a greasy mess. Its scent isn’t overwhelming, so it doesn’t mask your signature fragrance. Even with its all-natural combination, the concentrate is potent and relieves pain from sore muscles and joints.
The blend also contains extracts like arnica, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Essences like aloe vera and lavender also help soothe muscles and stop aching. Its balanced pH formula makes it suitable for all skin types. Shankara expedites relief through the improvement of blood circulation, absorption of oxygen and essential nutrients. These properties make it ideal for massages and as a moisturizer.
Sources
- , Do I Need a Muscle Relaxer?, Informative article
- , Neuromuscular Block, Journal
- , Muscle Relaxers Prescribed for Arthritis, Informative article