There are many types of muscle relaxants for pain relief. Most people think of prescription drugs when they have pain, or a pulled muscle however there are other ways of dealing with these health issues without resorting to narcotics and chemicals.

When a persons begins asking about the combination of muscle relaxants and pain relief most often they are having pain in the back. There can be a number of reasons for this, so if your pain lasts more than a few days, is very severe, or does not respond to any of the following treatments be sure to check with your health care provider.

Herbs are a natural product that have been used safely for thousands of years to promote healing in the human body. They should be taken with caution, and careful consideration of the dosage recommended.

• Valerian: Valerian is one of the primary herbs to consider when you need pain relief coupled with muscle relaxation. It is an anti-inflammatory and will help relax spasms. It also induces sleep.
• Chammomile: Is a muscle relaxer, best used in combination with other herbs.
• Licorice: Anti-inflammatory, works much like steroids.
• Kava Root: Pain relief
• White willow: Pain relief
• Horsetail: Pain relief
• Cramp Bark: Anti-spasmotic
• Cayenne Pepper: External applications of poultices provide topical pain relief.
• Devils Claw: Reduces pain and is an anti-inflammatory
• Passiflora: Muscle relaxer

• Rub lobelia extract on the affected area to relieve spasm

You could pick and choose from the list and try to come up with something that works, but herbs most often work best when combined with other herbs. Many good companies have done the work for you by combining herbs into teas or capsules to help with muscle spasms, aches, and pain. Look for Devil's Claw in the remedy as it is one of the best herbs for pain.

The body burns extra nutrients when it is in the process of healing. It is important to replenish these vitamins and minerals to keep the body working properly and effectively.

• Calcium:1,500 mgs a day
• Magnesium:1,000 mgs a day

These work to relieve pain. Magnesium also helps repair damaged nerve endings and therefore reduces the pain by promoting healing.

Other nutrional supplements that are important are:

• Potassium: 99 mgs per day

• Silica as directed on label
• Vitamin C: 3,000 mgs a day
• Alpha Lipoic Acid: A potent antioxident. 100 mgs per day.

In addition to the above supplements, drink plenty of water to keep the toxins flushed out of your system.

Many people find help through homeopathic remedies. It may take some experimentation to find exactly which remedy will work best in your situation. The results, once the proper remedy is found, are normally very quick.

Always take homeopathic remedies in a clean mouth. No food or drink for 30 minutes before, or 30 minutes after. Do not drink coffee or items containing caffeine, or mint (even mint toothpaste) when taking homeopathics.

Remedies include:

• Calcarea phosphorica: If you experience a stiffness and soreness in the muscles of the spine and joints, especially if it is in the neck and upper back,this may be the remedy you need.
• Kali carb: If low back pain drives you out of bed at night, and you have to get up to turn over this may be what you need.
• Arnica: excellent for muscle soreness that happens after overworking your muscles. It can be used by mouth or as a rub.

There are other remedies that can be very helpful. Check the links that follow for homeopathic information.

Other home remedies include hot baths, massage, and rest. Try to allow the body time to heal itself and don't push yourself to do things that could impede the healing of your body.

We are such a fast paced society that we don't like allowing ourselves times of rest and healing, but often this is the best remedy of all.