Top 10 Remedies for Sore Muscles and Joints

Almost everyone has experienced muscle or joint discomfort at some point in their life. The entire human body contains muscles and joints that are constantly in motion, making it easy for discomfort to appear anywhere, anytime. The most common type of muscle discomfort affects the lower back; an estimated 80% of the adult population in the United States has this condition. It's one of the top reasons why people see a doctor. It is also a leading cause of disability in Americans under the age of 45.^[1]

Muscle aches may involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia.^[2] A ligament is the fibrous collagen tissue that connects bones to other bones. A tendon is an inelastic band of collagen that connects muscle to bone. Fascia is dense connective tissues that connect muscle, bones, and organs.^[3]

Why Do Muscles Get Sore?

Sore muscles can result from a variety of causes; exercise is one of the most common.^[4] Other factors, such as stress can cause a stiff jaw, neck, or aches elsewhere on the body.^[5] Twisting, bending, or straining can also cause sore muscles.^[1]

Certain medical conditions and diseases, such as fibromyalgia, infections, flu, Lyme disease, polio, and lupus may cause muscle soreness.^[2] Car accidents are a significant cause of injury, usually to neck muscles.^[6] Almost 2.5 million people are injured or disabled in road crashes every year! Dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalances due to low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium, leading to muscle cramps and discomfort.

Top Remedies for Sore Muscles and Joints

Stiff, sore muscles are a literal pain but relief is possible, and it doesn’t have to come in the form of a pill. Here we’ll look at some of the best natural remedies for sore muscles and joints.

1. Chiropractic

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who perform adjustments to the spine and other parts of the body.^[7] The goal is to alleviate muscle and joint discomfort, improve range of motion, and support the ability of the body to heal itself.^[8] There are currently more than 30,000 chiropractors treating approximately 30 million people per year in the U.S. These numbers will increase as people become more aware of the efficacy of chiropractic.

2. Inversion Therapy

Inversion therapy involves hanging upside down from an inversion table to take pressure off the nerve and discs in your spine by increasing the space between the vertebrae.^[9] A plethora of studies confirmed the health benefits of inversion therapy.^[10]

3. Yoga

Yoga is a mind and body practice that originated in India.^[11] It involves practicing different physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation. According to the National Institutes of Health, a weekly yoga class can be effective at reducing back discomfort.^[12] It is no wonder why yoga is increasing in popularity; between 2012-2015, the number of American yoga practitioners grew by more than 75% from 20.4 million to over 36 million.

4. Stretching

As with yoga, stretching is incredibly effective for supporting muscle and joint health.^[13] One study found that a stretching class was even more effective than a yoga class for alleviating lower back discomfort.^[15] Stretching can increase a joint’s range of motion.^[14] Stretches last from 15 to 30 seconds have the most positive impact on joints.^[14] Interestingly, while pre-exercise stretches increase flexibility, it reduces muscle strength.^[14] Overall, stretching is an effective way to relieve muscle soreness, including in patients with fibromyalgia or other conditions.^[16]

5. Ice and Heat

People always want to know whether it’s better to apply heat or cold to injuries and sore muscles. There are a few ways and reasons to use either one of these therapies. Muscle discomfort as a result of athletic strain or injury has seen more benefits from either an ice pack or immersion in cold water. Using an ice compress usually involves applying this pack for 20 minutes, four to six times a day for the first 24 to 72 hours. Following with heat is sometimes used to help soothe away the discomfort.^[2] Many athletes choose to immerse themselves in cold water for specific amounts of time or use a technique called contrast water therapy where they go back and forth between hot and cold baths to help blood flow. Lastly, a review of the limited studies found evidence that heat wraps definitely help lower back issues as the tension is usually deep in the tissue, and muscle tension in the back can be aggravated by ice treatments.^[17]

6. Topical Muscle and Joint Relief

There are many over-the-counter lotions and creams that help reduce muscle and joint discomfort.^[18] People, including athletes, frequently use creams and ointments for minor muscle aches. Most of these products only provide temporary relief and do not address the root cause.

7. Massage

Physiologically, massages relax muscles and increase blood and lymph circulation. A review of many studies concluded that massage alleviates, or reduces, delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), after exercise.^[19] When muscle tightness or discomfort occurs, you have the option to go to a massage therapist, or you can simply do it yourself. Giving yourself a massage is always a great way to relieve aches and tension in the parts of your body you’re able to reach the minute you need to. A self-message gives you control over how much pressure you’re putting on your muscles and for how long. A massage stick or roller can do wonders. Massage also increases the hormone oxytocin and decreases levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropin – hormones produced during stress.^[20,21] This means massage relieves stress-related muscle tension.

8. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt, which contains magnesium sulfate, is typically used for hot soaks in the bathtub. There are not many scientific studies of how effective Epsom salts are for reducing muscle soreness. One review only found four studies, three in pregnant women and one in older patients. Epsom salts helped reduce muscle soreness in the older adults, but half the studies in pregnant women showed a positive effect while the others found no effect.^{[22, 23]} Regardless, soaking in a hot bath can relax muscles.^[24]

9. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

There are some over-the-counter medications that can relieve muscle pain. The most common are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) pills and capsules that have many side effects, including increasing your risk of getting a leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability).^[25]

10. Natural Supplements

Science has suggested that several supplements, ranging from vitamins to herbs, help relieve muscle soreness.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are the most popular health supplement in the United States – and for a good reason.^[26] These fatty acids are found in fish oil as well as plant-based options such as flaxseed or algae oils. Scientific studies found that people with non-surgical neck and back discomfort given 1200 to 2400 mg per day of omega-3 essential fatty acids experienced a 60% reduction in symptoms, 80% were happy with the results. But even more surprising, 59% were able to eliminate their use of prescription medication because of the omega-3 supplement.^[27]

Turmeric

The curcumin compound found in the root known as turmeric (Curcuma longa) has many health benefits, including relieving sore muscles. Both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines have used turmeric for centuries to soothe irritation and loosen stiff joints, among other uses. It has strong antioxidant properties and regulates enzymes in the body.^[28] Turmeric is a safe and effective substance for muscle soreness, with few side effects.^[28] Because it operates similarly to NSAIDs, it can interact with them. Thus taking turmeric may also allow you to reduce the use of over-the-counter medications.^[28]

Capsaicin

Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) comes from chili peppers (Capsicum spp.) The substance is known to cause regional anesthesia, meaning when applied topically it can reduce soreness and irritation.^[28] It’s also taken internally in capsules to soothe joint, muscle and nerve soreness.

Vitamin D

Some research has linked low levels of vitamin D with muscle and joint soreness. Studies have found that vitamin D has anti-irritation effects and can reduce skeletomuscular discomfort. When the body is low in vitamin D, the immune system’s T-cells cause the body to create redness and sore tissues. With an adequate supply of vitamin D, the compound inhibits the T-cells, thus reducing soreness.^[29]

What About Sprains and Strains?

A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament.^[15] Remember, a ligament is a fibrous connective tissue that attaches bone to bone. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), as many as 25,000 people sprain an ankle every day. This adds up to almost 10 million sprained ankles every year!^[16]

Remedies for sprains and strains include rest, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy.^[17]

How to Avoid Muscle and Joint Discomfort

Warming-up and stretching before and after exercise are extremely important. Sit and stand with good posture. Stretch a few times a week. Stay active. And, if you are overweight, losing weight can reduce the strain on your back.^[18]

Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise. If your work requires sitting in the same position most of the day, try to stretch or walk several times throughout the day (at least once every hour).^[2] Finally, maintain good form and posture when lifting heavy objects. Your legs should do most of the work.

If your symptoms are severe or last longer than feels reasonably tolerable, go to your healthcare provider. Be sure to ask your physician about natural health remedies, and choose a provider who is aware of the benefits of a holistic approach to healthcare.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.

Dr. Edward Group, DC

FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATE

Dr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.

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