Natural Treatments for Muscle Pain

Natural treatments for relief of muscle pain, yes there are many. Sometimes life hurts and it is simply a matter of finding which therapies are appropriate for you.

Inflammation, over exertion, under exertion, vitamin deficiency, medications, injury, and illness can all be underlying reasons as to why muscle aches and pains occur. It all adds up to the same conclusion, your muscles may be stressed to the point where damage can occur and it hurts.

Although there are many reasons why muscle pain shows up it is comforting to know that we are not completely reliant on prescription drugs for treatment. There are a number of natural means for treating those aches. There are alternative therapies, herbs, and diet supplements which can be used for treating muscle pain. Simple lifestyle changes can also greatly help to decrease your pain. There are natural remedies for treatment of muscle pain because life really shouldn't have to hurt.

There are many reasons why muscle pain happens. For most individuals these aches and pains turn up when they over exert themselves. For some individuals the hurt can be a never ending issue. Chronic pain is definitely no easy issue to deal with so let's take a little peek at a few reasons why those muscle aches may be there and a few natural methods for relieving it.

Vitamin D deficiency has moved into the limelight lately and for very good reason. Not having enough of this vitamin can cause muscle ache and studies are indicating that a very high percentage of the population do not receive sufficient sunlight to supply them with an adequate amount of this vitamin. This becomes even more of an issue during the gloomier winter months when people tend to stay indoors more. As muscle pain is one of the symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency taking a supplement on a daily basis may help to eliminate some of your muscle aches and pains.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by adding a little more vitamin D into your daily routine. This will prove especially true if an imbalance of this vitamin is the root cause of your muscle pain.
Excess weight can put stress on the joints and increase your incidence of injury.

A mineral that if deficient can be the cause of muscle aches, spasms, or cramps is Magnesium. Magnesium acts as a blocker of calcium into the nerves. Too little magnesium can result in an over abundance of calcium stimulating the nerves and causing muscles to over contract. The result of a magnesium deficiency is muscle pain.

Magnesium can be toxic if taken in too large a quantity so it is recommended that it be acquired from natural sources. Foods that are high in Magnesium are Spinach, Swiss char, Pumpkin seeds, Sesame seeds, Sunflower seeds, Salmon, Halibut, Black beans and Navy Beans.

Magnesium can also be absorbed through the skin by soaking in an Epsom salt bath. Epsom salts are rich in magnesium. A regular bath or a simple foot bath enriched with these salts is a nice relaxing way to relieve muscle stress and pain.

Drink plenty of water. Never underestimate the power of staying hydrated. Muscle pain can be the direct result of dehydration. Not drinking sufficient water can cause your body to ache and cramp. Drinking water before, during, and after exercise can effectively help to reduce muscle pain caused by dehydration. If your mouth is dry then you are already in the process of having lost to0 much fluid. Don't wait till you know you are thirsty. Keep that hydrating liquid close and sip frequently. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking sufficient water throughout the day and especially during summer months or during periods of increased exertion.

Get in the water to exercise as this will take the stress 0ff  your joints: Exercising in the pool can be great therapy for weak or damaged joints and muscles.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Foods May Provide Some Relief: If your muscle aches are caused by the stress of over exertion or an inflammatory based illness there are foods that can be used to help reduce the symptoms of your pain. The anti-inflammation diet plan has been shown to work for many types of inflammatory disorders. If your pain is caused by arthritis or chronic inflammation you may be able to reduce your hurt by changing your diet.

Ginger and Turmeric: For inflammation or exercise based muscle pain Ginger and Turmeric are two common household spices that may help you to relieve muscle pain. Both are known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties. Each has been used medicinally for thousands of years to naturally treat a variety of ailments. Their role as a natural remedy for muscle pain is only recently being researched and is showing very positive signs as a viable alternative therapy. Turmeric is a relative of the Ginger plant, and can be used to fight infection as well as to reduce inflammation by lowering levels of cox-2 enzymes.

If you have sciatic nerve pain my sympathies are definitely with you. I've been there and it hurts. Sciatic pain begins with a pinched nerve in your back that sends pain shooting down your hip, groin area, and leg. It is extremely painful. Fortunately there are stretching exercised that can relieve the misery. Rest and regular practice of these stretches can help. Be patient and stick with them.
  

Get Sufficient Rest Muscle Heals While You Sleep:
Adequate sleep is vital for healthy muscle. When you sleep your body produces melatonin and growth hormone both of which help to heal and rejuvenate damaged muscle tissue. Allow your body the rest it needs to provide you with the natural compounds needed to heal. Your body is an amazing healer but it needs the opportunity to be able to do so. If allowed your body will do everything in its power to heal itselfYou can help your body to heal itself by insuring that you get enough sleep each evening. Most individuals require at least eight hours of sleep each evening, and during times of illness or injury the amount of sleep that your body requires may increase. 

Sleep is when your muscles have the opportunity to relax and recover from the physical stress put on them throughout the day. Rest can be just as important as exercise in maintaining muscle health and it is up to you to determine the proper balance of these two essential ingredients.

During periods of illness or injury additional rest may be required by your muscle to reduce the physical stress on the inflamed tissue. Never under estimate the benefits of massage therapy for pain relief. It works.

A Sum up of my Favourite Pain Relieving Techniques:
Shea butter is a natural anti-inflammatory. This soothing lotion heals my inflammatory skin issues but may also help to relieve pain and fatigue. I use a combination of Shea butter lotion and Shea soap for my skin care needs. 

Yoga stretching exercises can help to relieve aches and pain within the muscles. Exercising in water takes the stress off joints while rebuilding muscle. The more you play the better it feels.

Have a slow down or cool off period after heavy exercise so that you slowly reduce your activity level over a 10 to 15 minute period rather than coming to an abrupt stop. This will help to reduce the lactic acid buildup. Magnesium will also help to reduce it and you can find it in Epsom salts.

To reduce muscle stress alternate Periods of Exercise and Rest

A relaxing epsom salt bath really can sooth your muscle aches away. I have a foot bath and use it frequently with the salts. So relaxing it is heavenly and it also helps to ease my suffering. The magnesium can help release lactic acid trapped in the muscle after exercise. For those with painful muscle spasms these salts can be wonderfully soothing.

Exercise: Don't Lose That Muscle to Atrophy
It is important to rest inflamed muscle but as you become healthier it is important to include an exercise routine into your therapy program. By rebuilding lost muscle you increase your ability to fight future illness or injury and help to insure your over all good health. Push yourself to your maximum but always listen to your body and never over stress inflamed muscle tissue.

Use massage, swim therapy, a walking program, or stretch exercise (yoga therapy) to help keep your muscles in optimum health. These simple natural therapies can greatly reduce the degree of muscle pain that you experience. Knowing why you are experiencing muscle pain is important in choosing the treatment program that you will use to relieve it. Always consult with your physician before beginning any alternative therapy programs.

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