Being a sufferer of chronic back pain for many years myself, and a three-year user of Lipitor, I consider myself well qualified to examine the link between Lipitor and back muscle pain. Personally, since I began taking Lipitor three years ago I have not had any significant changes in the amount of back pain that I experience, but my cholesterol levels sure have taken a nose dive. Sticking to a weekly workout schedule is a great way for you to perform your own physical therapy.

Research

After doing considerable research on the computer about back muscle pain and Lipitor I was astonished by the thousands of people who are on Lipitor and have back muscle pain, but never had it before they started taking Lipitor – so many that I am considering stopping the Lipitor intake. On the positive side, some studies indicate Lipitor might help reduce the instances of prostate cancer in males, and at the same time reduce the chances of a heart attack.

Statins

Statins are the most powerful cholesterol lowering agents available and are most effective in lowering LDL cholesterol, "bad cholesterol," by as much as 50%. They have less of a positive effect on raising HDL cholesterol, "good cholesterol." They accomplish their mission of lowering cholesterol by inhibiting the liver enzyme called HMG Co from producing cholesterol. These statins have proven to be the link between Lipitor and back muscle pain in thousands of people. Statins are divided into two groups; fermentation–derived and synthetic. The statin used in Lipitor is Atorvastatin, a synthetic derivative.

Doctors generally decide which statin the patient should use by using the following parameters; cost to the patient, effectiveness in reducing cholesterol, and effectiveness in clinical trails.

Additional Side Effects

The most common side effects from taking Lipitor other than back and muscle pain are; nausea, upset stomach, headache, dizziness, rash, and inability to get a good night's sleep. Once in a while statins can cause elevations in liver enzymes, so it is a good idea to have these checked three to four weeks after first starting Lipitor. One in every thousand people taking Lipitor will develop a muscle disorder producing muscle weakness. If the weakness becomes widespread kidney failure can occur.

Summary

It now has been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that Lipitor and back muscle pain go hand in hand. So give it some deep thought before you start taking Lipitor.