Every person has experienced muscle pain, often in the form of cramping or spasms at some point in their life. We credit it to old age, overexertion or from an unusual movement for a prolonged time. As uncomfortable as it may be, the pain eventually subsides. However, some individuals live with chronic muscle pain. Some common causes of chronic muscle pain include: autoimmune diseases that affect the muscles this (eg. Fibromyalgia and Lupus), thyroid problems, Sciatica, TMJ, chronic neck or back pain usually caused by an injury. Pinched nerves exhibit some symptoms as muscle pain. Leg and foot cramps often accompany diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Lastly, muscle pain is often a symptom of influenza and Lyme disease. Certain medications such as Statins, which prescribed for lowering cholesterol, and ACE inhibitors, which are prescribed for lowering blood pressure can cause muscle pain. This is often due in part because medications can deplete the body of nutrients. Excess consumption of alcohol, sugar and caffeine can also contribute to muscle pain.

If muscle pain is caused by overexertion from exercise you should treat your muscles to RICE:

R -- Rest: Stop whatever you are doing that is causing the pain. For sprain and strains, take weight off the affected limb. For delayed soreness, rest the sore muscle group for a day.

I -- Ice: Cold therapy will help reduce inflammation and risk of further damage it can cause. It's important not to expose skin directly to the ice, or for too long. Wrap ice, or an ice pack, in a towel to apply it indirectly. Ice the area for 10 to 20 minutes, four to eight times a day. Don't apply ice for more than 20 minutes, as you risk cold damage to your tissues. Cold helps prevent muscle soreness by constricting the blood vessels, which reduces blood flow and thus inflammation in the area.

Avoid placing heat immediately to an injury, as it dilates blood vessels and increases circulation to the area, which in turn leads to more swelling thus exacerbating the pain and muscle injury. Heat can actually increase muscle soreness and stiffness, especially if applied during the first 24 hours after the strenuous activity. Contrast therapy is a form of heat treatment that can actually be helpful. This is where one would-- apply a hot pad for four minutes and an ice pack for one minute to the affected area. After three or four days, when the swelling and soreness have subsided, you can resume warm baths to help relax muscles in general.

C -- Compress: Wrapping the injured limb in a fitted but not tight elastic bandage can help reduce swelling.

E -- Elevate: Raising the injured limb above the level of the heart can help to reduce swelling

Lack of exercise is a main cause of stiff muscles especially in the sedentary world we live in today. Engaging in a regular exercise program will help maintain proper muscle tone, increase blood supply to muscles, and generally improves circulation. Some examples of exercise that will not harm the muscles if done properly include: walking, yoga, Pilates, swimming, stretching upon waking, and before bedtime.

Imbalances and deficiencies in the body can also be the cause for muscle pain. Dehydration can occur during exercise from sweating, as sweat releases fluids, salt and minerals from the body. Our bodies rely on a balance of electrolytes. Electrolyte imbalance can occur in individuals even if they are not exercising. Certain health conditions can lead to dehydration where one of the many symptoms is, muscle pain.

Muscle pain can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies. Lacking certain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, D, E, the B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and potassium can all cause perturbations in muscle function that can lead to pain.

Listed below are some natural supplements, including herbal pain remedies, vitamins and minerals and topical products that provide effective relief from muscle pain. Other natural therapies include: massage, magnetic therapy, aromatherapy, and herbal baths.

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