Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons why Americans seek medical care. Muscle pain is only one type of pain complaint, but it’s one of the most prevalent ones. And there are many, many possible causes.
Before treating muscle pain, it’s important to be 100% sure that this is the cause of your discomfort by seeking medical advice. Then you can choose the best type of muscle pain relief to suit your needs.
And lucky for you, there are lots of different muscle pain treatment options that suit all causes from injury to disease. Read this guide to educate yourself on your options.
Follow the R.I.C.E Method
Relieving muscle pain caused by a non-serious injury or overuse is straightforward. In most cases, all you need is time and to follow the R.I.C.E protocol. This stands for:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
Rest is vital because you do not want to aggravate your injury while it is healing itself. Apply ice or a cold compress to your sore muscles in 15-minute blocks every four to six hours.
If you have chronic muscle pain in a joint like your ankle or knee then invest in a compression bandage or sleeve. This will help support the muscle both during and after exercise. And you should elevate the source of your muscle pain (if you can) to reduce pressure.
See a Chiropractor or Physical Therapist
Chronic muscle pain causes include chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. If you suffer from either of these issues or another chronic muscle problem then you should enlist the help of a professional.
Chiropractors will be able to give you special types of massages and exercises tailored to your needs. You should see a chiropractor on a regular basis if you want to get the best results.
Use Medicated Pills or Creams
There is a plethora of muscle pain relief medication available. It ranges from vitamins and anti-inflammatories to steroids. Here are some of your options:
- Naproxen
- Ibuprofen
- Muscle relaxants
- Antidepressants
- Steroids
- Vitamin D
- Antibiotics
- Antiviral medication
Anti-inflammatories are ideal for everyday muscle strains and pains. You can either ingest these as pills or apply them to your body as a medicated ointment. If you have a more serious muscle strain then your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants to help you rest.
Other types of medication are for more long-term and serious muscle pain relief and treatment. Always seek professional medical advice before taking a new medication. And consider the side effects before you start treatment.
Choose the Best Muscle Pain Relief Option for You
The best option of muscle pain relief for you will likely depend on three things. The cause of your muscle pain, its location in your body, and whether it is chronic or not. And now you know what your options are, you can try different ones to see what works for you.
If you’re an active person, you are always in danger of receiving an injury or experiencing pain. Check out our health and fitness articles to learn more about looking after yourself when you exercise!
