Whether it is from sitting at a desk 9-5 for 6 days a week, a high impact workout, or gardening in the same position for too long, it’s important we take care of our bodies. Aching muscles are no joke and can seriously injure us in the long run if we don’t treat them properly.
There are countless reasons for experiencing muscle pain. Some of the top ones include infections, heavy lifting, working out, injury, or certain diseases. Aching muscles are also divided into various types, according to the underlying cause.
The good news is that you can easily prevent and treat even the worst muscle ache with the help of this guide. This post will cover the major types of myalgia, major conditions, as well as some preventive measures.
Definition of Muscle Pain
Muscle pain (scientifically known as myalgia) can potentially be a sign of serious to minor diseases. Some people complain they experience muscle soreness all over their bodies. Some suffer from localized muscle pain. The experience is widely different for each individual.
4 Ways to Soothe Muscle Pain
Here are some of the most effective ways that help in soothing severe aching muscles:
1. Consuming Caffeine (Coffee)
According to a number of studies, consuming caffeine before any intense work or exercise significantly reduces muscle fatigue and aching. One of the Journal of Pain’s studies shows that drinking coffee before a workout drops the chances of DOMS (Delayed-onset muscle soreness) to 48-50%. The main reason is that caffeine has pain-killing properties (analgesic).
2. Eating Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Some reliable evidence shows that eating antioxidant-rich foods plays a vital role in reducing muscle pain. For example, eating Watermelon can help as it is rich in L-citrulline which is an important amino acid. According to many studies, amino acids are capable of reducing muscle aches and recovering heart rate. Some of the most common anti-inflammatory foods include ginger, pineapple, and cherry juice.
3. Taking Antioxidant Supplements
Turmeric consists of Curcumin which makes it very high in antioxidants. As a result, its powerful anti-inflammatory effects work wonders to relieve muscle aches. It also helps in speeding up post-workout recovery.
Some other top antioxidant supplement having fish oil as well as many other omega-3 fatty acids is a great solution. People consuming Relief Factor reported how quick their muscle recovery was and how this supplement, which is packed with high-quality fish oil, became life-changing for them.
4. Utilizing Topical Arnica
If you are a fan of natural remedies then Arnica can be a good solution. People have been using Arnica to soothe muscle pain for years. It comes from the Arnica montana flower that grows in the mountains of Europe and Siberia. You can use topical ointments and creams containing Arnica and apply them to the affected area.
Types of Aching Muscles
Muscle soreness is generally divided into two major types:
- Acute muscle soreness (commonly known as immediate muscle soreness)
- Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
Acute Muscle Aches
Acute muscle soreness is the immediate result of heavy weight lifting or prolonged workouts. Burning pain is the other name given to acute muscle aches. The main reason behind this pain is the accumulation of metabolites within the muscle due to intense exercise. The good thing about immediate muscle soreness is that it relieves much faster.
DOMS
In the case of delayed onset muscle soreness, a patient’s symptoms can peak in 24 to 72 hours right after any heavy workload or exercise. You will often suffer from DOMS after a day or two of starting your workout routine. The cause behind DOMS is the minor muscle fiber tears and mildly damaged connective tissue around the muscle.
Conditions Causing Muscle Aches
There are many conditions that may cause muscle aches but some of the most common ones are:
Severe stress and prolonged tension, Cancer (e.g. leukemia), Chronic fatigue syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Hypothyroidism, Compartment syndrome, Peripheral artery disease (PAD), Imbalance of electrolytes
Other Helpful Home Remedies
A few of the most notable home remedies you can try are:
- Over the counter pain relievers
- Stretching out the affected area
- Enjoying activities such as meditation and yoga to reduce stress
Acute muscle soreness is the immediate result of heavy weight lifting or prolonged workouts. Burning pain is the other name given to acute muscle aches. The main reason behind this pain is the accumulation of metabolites within the muscle due to intense exercise. The good thing about immediate muscle soreness is that it relieves much faster, especially with the help of CBD from a site like Perfect Plant Market.
Once you know the right cause, treating the pain is easy. Many people were able to soothe and control muscle aching by following the above tips. It is important to keep in mind that a persistent ache calls for professional medical care. If the aching muscle lasts for over a week, you are feeling dizzy, unable to breathe properly, or the pain is unbearable, call your doctor.
