Soma is the brand name for carisoprodol, a prescription medication used to relieve muscle pain and discomfort. Soma is typically prescribed as a short-term treatment for muscle pain or discomfort caused by injury or other musculoskeletal conditions. It is often used in conjunction with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments. Carisoprodol works as a muscle relaxant. Its exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is thought to work by affecting the central nervous system to help reduce muscle spasm and pain.