Pain manifests differently in everyone we have all experienced the discomfort of muscle pain during our lifetime. Muscle pain can be classified into different kind of pains, such as muscle cramps, soreness, and very acute pain. Any of these sensations may hinder or impact our physical activities, performance in sports, work-out routine, and affect your daily routine.
Fortunately, there are many natural ways to achieve muscle pain relief, including home remedies for muscle pain.
What Leads to Muscle Pain:
Muscle pain happens when some specialized nerve receptors known as “Nociceptors” are activated and in turn they send a signal to a very important part of our brain called as central nervous system, which receives and reacts to all the stimuli in our body. When central nervous system receives the signal that the muscle has encountered a painful or potentially harmful stimuli it activates the Nociceptors which in turn directs our body in restricting the blood supply and Oxygen to the tissue resulting in muscle pains and cramps. Some of the common types of muscle pain are summarized below.
Kinds of Muscle Pains
· Muscle cramps
Muscle cramps are involuntary, sudden, and painful contractions of muscles that can cause persistent soreness ,it generally involve only one muscle, and Cramps may gradually resolve on their own or be improved by stretching the muscle.
· Muscle spasms
Muscle spasms are also involuntary and abnormal muscle contractions but involves several muscles, unlike cramps, spasms are not usually painful and typically can’t be relieved by stretching the muscle.
· Muscle pain and damage induced by exercise
There are three general types of Muscle pain induced by exercise
- DOMS-also known as delayed-onset muscle soreness, which occurs 24 to 48 hours after exercise of an untrained
- Partial or complete Muscle tear which is characterized by very severe and acute pain.
- Soreness or Muscle cramps which occurs during or immediately after exercise.
· Chronic muscle pain
Chronic muscle pain is long-lasting and persistent pain that can result from repeated injuries, This kind of pain can be alleviated when the source of injury and pain is removed. It can also result from a severe injury which causes persistent pain due to changes to the nociceptive system.
· Neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain is caused by distress or the compression of the spinal nerves. This in response sends an impulse or stimuli towards Nociceptor endings. These endings in response to the impulse can lead to the release of inflammatory mediators that sensitize muscle nociceptors, increasing neuropathic pain.
Causes for different kind of muscle pains:
The causes that may lead to different kind of muscle pain, muscle cramps and soreness are-
- Inactive or sedentary lifestyle
- Certain underlining health conditions like anxiety and metabolic disorders
- Having severe injuries like bruises, sprains and strain
- Indulging in high intensity physical activities for long duration
- Degeneration of muscles due to old age
Natural Muscle Pain Relief:
If you are experiencing any kind of muscle pain, muscle cramps or soreness below are some methods which can help alleviate it-
· Hot or Cold Compressions
Cold compressions reduces inflammation by decreasing blood flow to the affected area. Apply it within 48 hours after injury for relief. Hot compression or
Heat treatment promotes blood flow and helps muscles relax. It is mostly used for chronic pain. Alternating heat treatment and cold treatment may help reduce physical activity or exercise-induced muscle pain. But we should be cautious to never use extreme heat, and never put ice directly on the skin.
· Supplements for Muscle Pain
Research has also shown that taking some dietary supplements can also help in relieving muscle pain and cramps. Below are some of that supplements recommended for easing muscle pain and cramps-
- Curcumin
- Magnesium
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Protein
- Vitamin D
· Stretching
Stretching is most common approach used by athletes and sport persons, and is commonly recommended for muscle recovery and preventing pain following exercise or an intense sports activity. Stretching is most effective for calf muscle pain and cramps which can be relieved by stretching before going to sleep.
· Massage
Various researches have shown that massage therapy is the most effective in relieving Muscle Pain and fatigue. Studies have proven that massage following intense physical was associated with decreased muscle soreness, reduced levels of muscle stress and improved measures of performance.
One of the very effective and natural product available in the market is Pain Relief Elixir by Forest Elixirs.
Forest Elixir's Pain Relief Oil is based on the basic principle of massaging to help the oil penetrate deep into the skin. The natural herbs are used in a combination that provide targeted relief from body ailments.
Whether you're experiencing sore muscles, knee, leg or full body pain you can simply rely on these natural oils to relieve you in a simple and mess free manner.
It's the ultimate pain relief decoction; a treasure trove of anti-inflammatory compounds all combined for the best results.
Conclusion
Natural Pain Relief methods can be beneficial in reducing and alleviating muscle cramps, muscle pain and soreness. However, it’s important to remember that there can be many underlying causes of pain, and if persistent it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious and concerning medical condition or a critical injury. If you experience persistent muscle pain, consult with your doctor, as treatment methods should be according to the specific causes and type of pain you’re experiencing.