MUSCLE SPASM PREVALENCE

~84% of U.S. adults (206 million) experience muscle spasms at some point in their lives

1-2

1. Deyo RA, Tsui-Wu YJ. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 1998; 23:1860.

2. U.S. Census Bureau (2017).

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Muscle spasms are generally self-limited to 2-4 weeks in length, with corresponding muscle relaxant treatment options reflecting acute duration of use

3

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Nonspecific, low back pain is a predominant manifestation of muscle spasm, and in

most cases, has no underlying cause

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Nonpharmacologic treatment is first recommended for muscle spasm relief, followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen), muscle relaxants, and/or diazepam or botulinum toxin in refractory cases

5-6

3. Deyo RA, Weinstein JN. N Engl J Med 2001; 344:363.  

4. Chou R. In the clinic. Ann Intern Med 2014; 160:ITC6.  

5. Crit Rev Phys Rehabil Med. 2013; 25(1-2): 11–22.

6. Guideline American Academy of Neurology.National Guideline Clearinghouse. Available at https://guideline.gov/summaries/summary/50220. Accessed: January 2, 2018.

 

BARRIERS TO PRESCRIBING

MUSCLE

RELAXANTS

Physicians' main concerns in prescribing sedative muscle relaxants is drowsiness, followed by addiction/abuse potential, and lack of efficacy

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Drowsiness

59%

2%

Dry Mouth

Other

3%

17%

Lack of

Efficacy

19%

Addiction/Abuse potential

 
 

20%

18%

13%

8%

7%

12%

17%

Inpatient & Emergency Visits

Physical Therapy

Pharmacy

5%

Other

Outpatient Clinic 

Imaging

Surgery

Office Visits

7. Crow, WT, Willis, D. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2009 Apr;109(4):229-33.  

8. Dagenais S, Caro J, Haldeman S.Spine J. 2008 Jan-Feb;8(1):8-20.