MUSCLE PAIN RELIEF

What are muscle aches?

Muscle aches, or myalgia, are extremely common. Almost everybody has experienced discomfort in their muscles at some point. Muscle pain originates in any of the muscles in the body. The medical term for muscle pain is myalgia. Muscle pain may arise due to injury or overexertion, infections of the soft tissues, or inflammatory conditions. A number of conditions can be associated with generalized aches and pain, such as influenza, that are perceived to be muscle pain. Muscle pain can be localized to one muscle group or diffuse, involving multiple muscle groups. Muscle pain due to injury or overuse is most commonly localized to one area. Depending upon the cause, muscle pain can be mild or severe and debilitating. Muscle pain is the hallmark symptom of some chronic conditions like fibromyalgia.

What causes muscle soreness, cramps, sprains and strains?

Muscle pain can be because of several reasons:

1.Exercise, injury or overuse
2.Blood flow problems
3.Lack of minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium
4.Dehydration
5.Certain treatment

Home Remedies for Muscle Pain

The body possesses an intricate system of muscles, and muscle pain can occur in any part of the body. It is a very common complaint, usually resulting from overexertion during an activity.Pain typically appears within 12 to 48 hours after the activity. In some cases, muscle pain is a minor annoyance but at times it can take a toll on your health and become hard for you to carry out day-to-day activities.If you battle with muscle pain, the first thing you need to do is keep your body hydrated by drinking enough water. If there is not enough water in the body, your muscles will become tight, tender and easily injured.Home remedies for muscle pain:

1. Cold Pack

Applying a cold pack on the affected muscle can help lessen pain and inflammation. The cold will constrict the blood vessels to reduce the flow of blood to the area.
1.Wrap a handful of ice cubes in a thin towel.
2.Place it on the affected area for about 15 minutes.
3.Repeat every hour for the first 24 to 72 hours.
4.A bag of frozen vegetables works well if you don’t have ice cubes.

2. Hot Water Soak

After the first 24 hours of the onset of pain, a hot water soak will provide quick relaxation and mild pain relief. It will promote increased blood flow and speed up the healing process. Do not use this remedy during the first 24 hours.
1.Fill your bath tub with hot water and mix in one cup of Epsom salt. The magnesium in Epsom salt promotes muscle relaxation.
2.Soak the affected body part in this water for at least twenty minutes.
3.Repeat a few times a day for one to two days to help relax stiff, sore muscles.

3. Tart Cherry

Tart cherries can prevent post-exercise muscle pain. According to a 2010 study published in the Scandinavian Journal Science in Sports, there are many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in tart cherries that can reduce inflammation as well as muscle pain.

1.Eat one and one-half cup of tart cherries after a workout to prevent muscle pain.
2.You can also drink one cup of tart cherry juice, without adding any sugar, to reduce muscle inflammation and soreness.

4. Turmeric

The herb turmeric works as a potent painkiller and anti-inflammatory agent.

Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one cup of milk. Heat it over a low flame. Drink this twice a day, sipping it slowly, for speedy internal healing.
Alternatively, make a poultice by mixing equal amounts of freshly grated turmeric with lemon juice and salt. Apply it to your aching muscles. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. Do this twice daily until the pain is gone.

5. Ginger

Ginger work as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and will improve circulation and blood flow, all of which will relieve muscle pain.A 2010 study by the University of Georgia and Georgia College and State University (GCSU) found that daily intake of ginger raw and heat-treated ginger can help lower muscle pain following exercise-induced muscle injury.
1.Wrap four tablespoons of freshly grated ginger in a tightly sealed piece of cotton or a cotton bag. Put it in hot water for less than one minute. Let it cool and then put it on the affected area for 15 minutes. Repeat the process several times a day for two to three days.

2.You can also drink three cups of ginger tea daily. To make this herbal tea, cut a small piece of ginger root and boil it in two cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain it, add a little honey and enjoy your tea. (You can also use ginger tea bags, available in health food stores.)

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another great remedy to soothe away your muscle pain. It has anti-inflammatory as well as alkalizing properties that help reduce pain and inflammation.

1.Add two cups of apple cider vinegar to lukewarm bath water. Soak in this water for 15 to 20 minutes.Do this daily for a few days until you recover completely.

2.Another option is to add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and some honey to a glass of warm water. Drink it once daily for a week.