Do you have muscle pain or inflammation that won’t go away? Try these natural remedies to relax your muscle and ease the pain.
We all experience muscle pain at some point in life. It could be from an injury, lifting heavy objects, overdoing a workout, and sometimes it could even be a sign that something is wrong in our bodies.
While pain relievers can offer temporary relief, most over-the-counter medications have been found to cause side effects that can sometimes bring discomfort. That’s why natural remedies are a preferred treatment option for sore muscles; they alleviate the pain with fewer side effects.
We thought we should share some of the best natural remedies for muscle pain and inflammation. Try any of our recommendations and see what works best for you. In some cases, combining remedies may give the best results.
5 Natural Remedies for Muscle Pain and Inflammation Relief
In most instances, muscle soreness will go away on its own after some time. But in cases of extreme discomfort, you can use the following natural remedies to relieve the pain.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil
When you think about oils for muscle and joint pain, perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is peppermint or lemongrass oils. And why not? These essential oils have been used for years to relieve muscle pain and tension and are the only “real cure” most people know.
But did you know Cannabidiol oils like these https://www.midss.org/health/best-cbd-oils-for-arthritis are just as effective? Recent studies show that CBD oils can help relax muscles, alleviate soreness and tension, and reduce inflammation. Obtained from the Cannabis sativa (marijuana) plant, CBD oils are rapidly growing in popularity, especially among athletes and bodybuilders, as they have been found to be particularly effective in muscle recovery after workouts.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient in many people’s kitchens, and chances are you have a bottle sitting in the pantry. If you have muscle cramps, grab the bottle, mix a teaspoon of the vinegar with water, and drink or simply apply a small amount of undiluted vinegar directly over the affected area. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, apple cider vinegar will help reduce muscle pain and inflammation and make you better.
- Epsom Salt
Many have found that massaging sore or inflamed muscles with warm water mixed with Epsom salt can help relieve the pain. Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate that acts as a muscle relaxant. It can also be used to draw excess fluids from swollen muscles and joints to help reduce the swelling and offer pain relief. If your problem is swollen muscle tissue, fill a bathtub with warm water and add a few scoops of Epsom salt, then soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this 3 times a week.
- Massage
Whether done by a professional at the spa or by your significant other with simple tools at home, a massage will leave you feeling good. Getting a massage when you have muscle tension or spasms can help relax the muscle tissue and increase blood flow, significantly reducing painful contractions and spasms. Done after a workout, massage therapy can also help prevent post-exercise muscle soreness.
- Staying Active
When you have aching muscles, chances are you want just to sit around. While rest is good, not moving around for too long will only make your muscles stiff and the situation much worse. So get up and take a walk or do some stretches. It will help ease the strain and tension and relieve pain sooner.
When Do You Need to See A Doctor?
As we mentioned, most muscle aches will go away on their own. However, if the pain doesn’t get better even after trying natural remedies, it could be a sign of an underlying condition, and Bayer, R., MD, a medical doctor indicates that in such cases, it’s best to have the condition assessed by a professional. Schedule a doctor’s visit if:
- You have had the pain for more than a week.
- The affected area is swollen or reddened; it could be a sign of infection.
- You have developed a rash.
- Pain increases after taking medication
- Pain doesn’t improve with self-care.
- The affected area is restricting your movement.
- Your muscle pain is caused by an injury.
- You notice an obvious deformity in the affected area.
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding and can’t take certain pain medication.
- You have accompanying symptoms such as dizziness, difficulty breathing and swallowing, high fever, vomiting, sudden water retention, and extreme muscle weakness.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and inquire about your medical history to get important clues about your condition. Based on your symptoms, they may order an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI before administering treatment.
Conclusion
Most people with muscle aches are able to alleviate the pain with simple remedies at home. But it’s important to listen to your body and understand various signals to know when to see a medical professional. Book an appointment with a doctor if your muscle pain doesn’t get better after a week or is accompanied by other severe symptoms.
Written by Jennie Miller