Soma pill is a skeletomuscular relaxant that helps treat muscle pain associated with spasms and strains. It is also effective in improving menstrual cramps, headaches, and lower back pain within 30 minutes of intake.
Pain is a universal human experience that affects people of all ages and genders. Whether it is a headache, aching muscles from a workout, or chronic discomfort from an underlying condition, finding effective relief is essential. One medication that has gained attention for its efficacy is Carisoprodol, commonly known by its brand name, Soma.
Soma pill is a muscle relaxer that is prescribed for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. However, its application extends beyond just muscle-related conditions, thus including a diverse range of pain categories.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the various uses of Soma for pain relief and explain its role in alleviating various types of body pain.
Common Types of Pain
There are five common types of body pain, as listed below. However, a few pains may fit into more than one category.
Acute pain-
These are sudden, severe pain that lasts for a short period. They may arise due to illness, injury, trauma, surgery, or painful medical procedures. Acute pain often subsides after the injury or the illness improves.
Chronic Pain-
These are body pain that lasts for a few months to a year. Such pain may feel like a tingle, burn, ache, or prick. Most chronic pain is often due to health issues such as fibromyalgia, spine disorder, and arthritis.
Neuropathic pain-
This type of body pain arises due to damage to the nerves or other parts of the nervous system. Neuropathic pain is often described as stabbing, shooting, or burning pain, which can also increase the sensitivity to touch.
Nociceptive pain-
These are body pains caused by damage to the body's tissues. They are described as sharp pain caused by external injury. Causes of nociceptive pain include burns, bruises, arthritis, fractures, muscle overuse, and cuts.
Radicular pain-
It occurs when a nerve in the spine gets compressed or inflamed.
How Does Soma Work In The Body To Relieve Pain?
Soma pills work in the body by affecting the communication between the nerves and the brain.
It further enhances the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. This helps to reduce pain perception and muscle spasms, thus helping to alleviate discomfort and improve muscle relaxation.
Soma For Muscle Pain
Soma pill is a Skeletal muscle relaxant (SMR) that is approved by the FDA for managing pain associated with muscle spasms and discomfort.
A study by Conermann T and Christian D suggests that the use of Carisoprodol, the active compound of the Soma pill, has been a prescription muscle relaxant for many years. It is effective in relaxing muscles after sprains, strains, and injuries [1]. The use of the Soma pill for period cramps also helps with primary dysmenorrhea.
The primary dysmenorrhea are cramps that start before or during menstruation and are caused by uterine muscle contraction.
In animal studies, it is seen to produce muscle relaxation by interfering with the activity of certain neurons of the brain and the spinal cord [2].
Further, a comparative blog on Soma vs Xanax indicates that the Soma pill is a much better and more effective analgesic option for muscle pain.
Role Of Soma Pill In Neuropathic Pain
Soma pills are not typically used to treat neuropathic pain since they arise from damage to the nerves. However, the use of Soma for nerve pain can provide relief to a certain degree. For severe pain, a doctor may prescribe opioid medication such as Aspadol 100mg or Lyrica.
Soma For Fibromyalgia Pain
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain and tenderness in the body [3]. While the Soma pill is sometimes prescribed off-label for fibromyalgia, it is not the first line of treatment.
According to a clinical study completed in 1989, Carisoprodol is effective in lowering pain, increasing feelings of well-being, and improving sleep quality in people with fibromyalgia. The study also indicated that Carisoprodol, in combination with paracetamol and caffeine, was effective as a treatment for fibromyalgia [4].
If someone is considering using Soma for fibromyalgia pain, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Soma For Back Pain
Lower back pain is characterized by discomfort between the buttocks and lower ribs. Muscle relaxants are commonly prescribed for this condition.
A trial of 250 mg and 350 mg of carisoprodol for the treatment of low back spasms suggests that taking it three times daily was effective with a lower incidence of adverse events [5].
In another study by C. Abdel Shaheed et al., the use of muscle relaxants offers clinically significant short-term pain relief for acute low back pain [6].
For Tension Headache
These are mild to moderate pain that feels like having a tight band around the head. The use of Soma for headaches works by slowing down the functioning of the central nervous system, thus creating an overall calming effect.
Since they are caused when the neck and scalp muscles become tense or contract, the use of muscle relaxers can help address the mechanism of the tension headache. Combining a muscle relaxant with other pain relievers can help you get better results [7]. However, it is important to note that the use of muscle relaxants for headaches is off-label and has not been approved by the FDA [8].
Dosage Regimen For Treating Body Pain
The Soma pill is commonly available in doses of 250mg, 350 mg, and 500 mg.
The Soma 350 mg is more commonly recommended for beginners and helps in managing mild to moderate pain.
On the other hand, the Soma 500 mg tablets are advisable-
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For moderate to severe pain.
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When lower doses of the Soma pill are not able to provide effective pain relief.
The Soma dosage can be taken three to four times daily with a gap of 5 to 6 hours. Do not take the medication for more than three continuous weeks.
Precaution And Warning
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The use of the Soma pill is not recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers.
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Avoid its intake if you have kidney, liver, or heart disorders.
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Do not take the Soma pill with other medication to avoid drug interactions.
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Before discontinuing the treatment, consult with a doctor.
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Avoid the intake of the Soma pill with alcoholic beverages.
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It may result in dizziness and drowsiness, so avoid the use of heavy machinery and driving.