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muscle relaxant

(MUH-sul ree-LAK-sunt)
A type of drug that is used to relax the muscles and reduce tension, stiffness, and pain caused by muscle spasms or muscle spasticity (stiff, rigid muscles). Muscle relaxants are also used to prevent muscle movement during surgery. There are many different types of muscle relaxants. Some work by blocking certain nerve receptors in the brain or spinal cord, while others act directly on the muscle fibers in the body to relax the muscles.
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