Muscle aches are one of the most common problems to afflict people across the world. Because there are muscles all over the body, they can strike virtually anywhere, and the seriousness varies from a little twinge to pain so incapacitating that you are physically unable to move.
How to treat muscle pain will depend a lot on the type of injury you’ve sustained, it’s severity and the location on the body. What’s good for a problem in the neck might not necessarily work as well for a lower leg issue such as a calf problem.
There are however some methods of relieving muscle pain that can help no matter what the problem.
- Stretch the affected area
Muscle pain can be caused by spasms and tightness, in which case you need to stretch the affected area. This will not only help relieve pain, but it will also help build up strength and as a general rule, the stronger the muscle, the less susceptible it is to suffer from random aches and pains. If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to stretching, then check out these science approved stretching techniques for better mobility and less pain.
- Apply ice or heat
Depending on the signals that the affected area is giving off, then ice and heat treatment can help to manage muscle pain. If there is noticeable swelling or the muscle feels warm, then wrap an ice pack inside of a thin towel and leave it on the affected area for 15 minutes. Never put ice directly onto the skin. If there isn’t any swelling and it’s just sore, then instead apply a heat pack for 15 minutes. Warming up the muscle will boost blood circulation and the more blood you can get pumping into the damaged muscle, the better.
- Take a warm bath
If the heat pack hasn’t worked, then you need to take the treatment onto the next level and sink into a nice, warm bath. Not only does a bath wash away the dirt of the day, but it also washes away stress by relaxing all the muscles in our bodies, which can feel like heaven if you’re suffering from muscle pain.
- Herbal remedies
Herbal remedies have long been used in the treatment of muscle pain with varying degrees of success. Chamomile contains 36 different flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory properties, and cayenne pepper relaxes muscles and has even been recommended to those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Other herbs and plants that might be worth a shot include blueberry, cherry juice, turmeric and kratom which is available from The Kratom Connection.
- Do light exercises
You might think that the only way to get over muscle pain is to rest the affected area and let it recover. In some instances, this can actually make the problem a whole lot worse. You might be suffering from muscle tightness, knotting or if you are a relatively active person, lactic acid builds up. Lightly exercising the muscles by walking, swinging your arms around or moving your head from side to side can loosen everything up and alleviate those particular problems.
Tammie~