From the Research
Yes, prednisone and methocarbamol can be used together to treat cervicalgia (neck pain) flare-ups, as they work through complementary mechanisms to reduce inflammation and muscle spasms. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, reduces inflammation that may be contributing to neck pain, while methocarbamol relaxes muscles to alleviate muscle tension and spasms. Typical dosing for prednisone might be 20-40mg daily for 5-7 days as a short course, tapering down if used longer than a week to prevent withdrawal symptoms, as seen in a study where oral prednisolone was effective in reducing pain in patients with cervical radiculopathy 1. Methocarbamol is typically prescribed as 500-1500mg taken 3-4 times daily as needed for muscle spasms, and has been shown to be effective in treating acute low back pain associated with myofascial components 2.
Some key points to consider when using these medications include:
- Side effects to watch for include stomach irritation, elevated blood sugar, and mood changes with prednisone, and drowsiness or dizziness with methocarbamol.
- It's essential to use these medications only under medical supervision, as prednisone should not be stopped abruptly, and both medications may interact with other drugs.
- Non-medication approaches like gentle stretching, heat/cold therapy, and proper ergonomics should also be incorporated for comprehensive management of cervicalgia.
- While there is limited evidence on the use of muscle relaxants in rheumatoid arthritis, a study found that benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines did not appear to be beneficial in improving pain over 24 hours or one week, and were associated with significant adverse events 3.
- A more recent study protocol aims to determine the efficacy of neck muscle activation versus strengthening for adults with chronic cervical radiculopathy, highlighting the need for further research in this area 4.
- High-dose methylprednisolone sodium succinate treatment has been associated with complications, including pulmonary and gastrointestinal issues, particularly in older patients 5.
Overall, the use of prednisone and methocarbamol for cervicalgia flare-ups should be carefully considered and monitored by a healthcare professional, taking into account the potential benefits and risks, as well as the individual patient's needs and medical history.