Which of the following is NOT a function of muscle relaxants?

• A. Relax muscles
• B. Alleviate spasm
• C. Cure arthritis
• D. Decrease reflexes

Answer: (C)

Muscle relaxants work by reducing muscle tone and easing muscle spasms, which helps relieve pain and improve movement. They can also dampen reflex activity in conditions with spasticity, aiding control of abnormal muscle contractions. But they do not treat the underlying disease process or reverse joint damage. Arthritis is a joint condition involving inflammation and degeneration that requires other therapies to manage; muscle relaxants don’t cure it. So curing arthritis is not a function of muscle relaxants.