Muscle Pain
Background
When muscles don’t have enough energy, they get locked in the shortened position, causing muscle pain (also called myofascial pain when it becomes chronic). After awhile, they hurt. When the muscle pain is in just 1 or 2 areas, it suggests that there is a structural/ergonomic component. This can be because one leg is shorter than the other, you are carrying a 20 pound purse on your shoulder, repetitive stress injury (as is now being seen with the Wii video games), or other reasons. It is worth looking for these. For example, you might need a wrist support for your computer, or an arm rest on your chair at a height where your wrists and elbows are resting on them. If you have widespread muscle pain, and it is associated with insomnia or non-restful sleep, then you likely have fibromyalgia (which is now very treatable).
Treatments
Treat with S.H.I.N.E.
When you have frequent muscle pain, or even a localized area where it just won’t go away, treating the underlying factors that control energy production can help the muscles finally release. This means treating with what I call the S.H.I.N.E. Protocol.
The letters in S.H.I.N.E. stand for:
- Sleep
- Hormonal deficiencies
- Infections and Inflammation
- Nutritional supplementation
- Exercise as able
Recommended Supplements
BCM-95 Curcumin, Boswellia, DLPA and nattokinase
A special mix of BCM-95 Curcumin, Boswellia, DLPA and nattokinase has been a pain relief miracle—even for many whose pain has lasted decades. Called Curamin (by EuroPharma) take 1-2 caps 3x day till the pain resolves.
The effect may begin quickly. It builds over a week, and maximizes at 6 weeks. The dose can often then be lowered to 1-2 a day or as needed. It’s like putting out a fire. Once the pain settles, you may no longer need the natural treatments or may only take them "as needed" — with a lower dose doing the job.
Other Therapies & Advice
Releasing tight muscles
There are many ways to stretch your muscles, which releases them — and the pain. These include chiropractic, osteopathic manipulation, and a host of excellent types of massage and body work. Unfortunately, most MDs have virtually no training in treating muscle pain, except for having been taught that chiropractors (who do know how to treat muscle pain) are quacks. Medical school training in this area is both pathetic and (as an MD) embarrassing. I view chiropractic as an essential specialty in the healing arts. Some MDs who practice Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R or Physiatrists) are finally learning about muscle pain.
Acupuncture can also help. 70% of acupuncture points correspond to muscle trigger points (the belly of the muscle where it causes a painful knot). Put a needle in a trigger point and the muscle will release (though much more is also happening with acupuncture).
All of these can release the muscles, but if you don’t treat the underlying low energy in the muscle, using S.H.I.N.E., and get rid of the structural stresses (such as carrying a 20 pound purse around, having uneven hip heights, or working in an "ergonomically incorrect" workplace), the muscles will go back to their shortened position.
Ice and heat
Ice acts as an anti-inflammatory, and heat brings in healing blood flow. Either can be used for up to 20 minutes at a time (so you don’t overheat or overcool the muscle). And if using both together, start with ice followed by heat. Ice is best used in the first 36 hours after an injury. Heat can be used any time.
One especially helpful technique is to add 2 cups of Epsom salts to a tub of hot water and soak away. Epsom salts are made of magnesium, which will soak into your tissues with the heat, relaxing your muscles and loosening any tight joints. Often, you can feel the pain flow right out as your muscles relax!
Releasing tight muscles
I happily recommend the book "A Winner’s Guide to Pain Management" by Dr. Hal Blatman, an outstanding pain specialist in Cincinatti, Ohio.
More Information Online
The S.H.I.N.E. Approach and Treatment Protocol
Pain Free 1-2-3 (my book on pain management)
The Trigger Point Manual (book by Dr. Janet Travell; great for health practitioners working with muscle pain)