Muscle relaxer is a kind of medication that is mostly given to relieve pain. Generally called as pain pills, these medicines are also often referred to as skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs). The muscle relaxer provides relief from pain that could be caused because of an injury, but it must also be added that it does not contribute in any way to the healing process of the place injured. By reducing the mobility and contraction of the skeletal muscles, pain relief is achieved.
There are two types of muscle relaxers:

1. Neuromuscular blocker: Neuromuscular blocker prevents the brain from sending messages to the muscle, that is, the activity of the neurotransmitter is restricted. This blocking is done either by inhibiting synthesis of acetylcholine or sometimes holding back its performance at the receptor sites. It could be said that these kinds of drugs bring about a short-term paralysis of muscles. As a result, neuromuscular blocker is also used for anesthesia, just before surgical procedures.

2. Spasmolytic: Called quite often as a centrally acting muscle relaxer, a spasmolytic muscle relaxer has an impact on the Central Nervous System (CNS). Not only does the spasmolytic muscle relaxer inhibit pain, but it also becomes useful in controlling spasms in the muscles. These kinds of muscle relaxers are prescribed more often. As matter of fact when a muscle relaxer was referred to, it was actually a spasmolytic that was being spoken about. Of course, now neuromuscular blockers are also included in this definition.

Another accurate term to refer to a spasmolytic drug would be anti-spasmodic, because there are certain pain medications in this group that do not show CNS activity.

A vast majority of patients might show a positive response to a muscle relaxer and exhibit pain relief, but the variations among the several drugs of this class make a few medications less apt for some types of injuries and conditions. A case in point would be baclofen- a muscle relaxer, which has been found to be useful in certain neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis etc. But despite this, this muscle relaxer cannot be prescribed for orthopedic disorders. A muscle relaxer is never free from risks to begin with. It could lead to conditions like blurred vision, giddiness or sleepiness. It could also make the effects of other medicines stronger and thus suppress the CNS even more. Plus it could lead to drug addiction and abuse for someone who takes these drugs for a long term.

Some situations might also be noticed where specific types of muscle relaxers are contraindicated. Take for instance metaxalone. In a diabetic, it could create false serum glucose readings. Methocarbamol, yet another muscle relaxer could actually raise the chances of epileptics getting seizures. As it is possible that any of the prescribed muscle relaxant can create complications, it is essential that the patients discuss their condition and medical history in detail with the medical practitioner. They should also inform the doctor about the medications they are taking even if they using only dietary supplements or over-the-counter drugs.