Waking up with a sore neck because you slept wrong is never fun and disrupts your day. Muscle pains can occur randomly, and as such, it is helpful to have some remedies to take care of the pain if medication is not necessary. The most common causes of muscle pain include dehydration, stress, nutritional imbalances, lack of sleep, infections, and sometimes too much physical movement. Some natural solutions to help ease muscle pain include.
Hot and Cold Packs
You will need to have a hot compress pack and an ice pack for this to work. Start by placing the hot pack on the affected area for about 20 minutes and follow it immediately with the cold pack. After a few tries, this method should prove effective in pain management. This process also reduces swelling.
As you alternate the heat and cold treatments, it is helpful to elevate the injured part to relieve pressure and promote faster recovery. After you are done, you can use a compression bandage to retain the healing effects. Keeping an electric heating pad will come in handy when you have a muscle cramp.
Exercise
Sometimes muscle pain can be caused by lack of movement or staying in the same position for a while. This is because when you are in a position that compresses one part of your body, less oxygen is dispersed to that area, and this causes lactic acid buildup. The buildup causes muscle aches, and some light exercises will increase oxygen levels in your body, break up the lactic acid and relieve pain.
Be careful when stretching the affected areas to avoid further injury. Some of the most recommended exercises for pain relief are yoga, meditation, and Pilates. Taking a swim in a warm pool is also a great way to rid your body of stress and soreness. This also applies to soaking in a hot Jacuzzi every so often.
Foods and Supplements
Sometimes treating the problem from the inside out is the best way to take care of muscle pain. Applying chamomile oil to the affected area has been proven to soothe muscle aches. The antioxidant properties in blueberries and cherries help to reduce inflammation and act as a natural muscle relaxant.
Plants containing capsaicin, like cayenne peppers, have effectively offered relief from muscle spasms as they are Best Natural Muscle Relaxers. Ensure that you are getting enough protein in your meals by adding eggs, fish, lentils, or beans to help you recover faster from muscle spasms, especially after rigorous physical exercise.
The supplements of the foods mentioned above also work beautifully to ease the pain. During winter, you may notice that you become sore more quickly than during summer; this can be attributed to the lack of sufficient vitamin D. Taking the supplement form of this vitamin will alleviate most aches. Hydration is vital for keeping your muscles pain-free.
A search for a recreational dispensary near me that swears by their cannabis edibles as muscle relaxers might also be a good bet for you. If the state you live in allows it, you can try cannabis products such as gummies and edibles to soothe pains.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts are quite the go-to remedy for muscle relaxation. The salt is loaded with magnesium sulfate that draws out the fluid buildup that causes muscle soreness. When looking for relief, add some Epsom salts to warm water and soak the affected part until the water cools. For patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems, you need to consult with a licensed medical practitioner before using these salts.
Massages, Acupuncture, and Sleep
There is a reason why you feel happier after a full-body massage. This is because this form of relaxation takes away any tension from your muscles and provides relief. Therapeutic massages increase blood flow circulation in your body, increase oxygen supply, and relieve pain. This brings us to the next best thing, which is quality sleep.
The benefits of a good night's sleep cannot be overemphasized. As you sleep, your body repairs itself naturally, which may be the cure you need for your aching muscles. You could also try acupuncture from a licensed practitioner. Some studies have shown that patients suffering from neck pain and arthritis can use acupuncture as a placebo treatment option.
Conclusion
There is a lot you can do to relieve muscle pain without using medication. If you have any underlying medical conditions or chronic illnesses, consult with your doctor first before trying any remedies.
