Relaxing Tense Muscles
If you are looking for ways to relieve musculoskeletal pain and tight muscles without using narcotics or muscle relaxers, try these alternative methods. They are also helpful when used in conjunction with such medications.
Techniques for Muscle Relaxation
The function of our muscles is voluntary control of our body movements. They are part of the voluntary nervous system. As the name suggests, we have control over the use of our muscles and therefore can control whether they are tense or relaxed.
The first step to relaxing our muscles is awareness of whether they are tense or relaxed in the first place. There are techniques to gain this awareness, the most common of which is a body scan. This involves taking a mental inventory from head to toe of areas in which you feel tense and making adjustments accordingly. Start with your head and notice any tension within the forehead or scalp, eye area, and jaw. Clench each individual area and then consciously relax it. Continue throughout your neck, shoulder, fists, and so on.
Watch the YouTube video which guides the viewer through a relaxing, meditative body scan.
A Stretching Routine
Tension in a muscle results in a shortening of that muscle, and when the tension is prolonged, it could result in a chronically shortened muscle, which can cause chronic pain. A slow and conscious stretching of the muscles regularly (on at least a daily basis) can release tension and lengthen the muscle over time. This will result in a more flexible and relaxed musculature.
Acupressure
Acupressure massage is a technique based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and is another way to lengthen muscles in order to reduce muscle tension and spasms. The technique consists of finger pressure at specific areas on the body known as acupressure points. Acupressure can be administered by a massage therapist or you can learn to do it yourself using your own hands or massage tools, many of which are available for purchase online.
Regular Exercise
Muscle tension builds up in our bodies as a response to stress. Our bodies react to perceived danger by going into “fight or flight” mode. These instincts remain from when our fears and anxieties were regularly life-threatening. Today, the tension continues even though most threats to our well-being are not as serious as they once were. A natural way to rid our bodies of the tension and excess adrenaline is to engage in a regular exercise routine.
Dietary Considerations
Getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals is an important element in the management of chronic pain. Certain herbs can help with relaxation, as well.
- Magnesium. This mineral is a natural muscle relaxant that is involved in many biochemical processes within our bodies. Up to two-thirds of Americans are magnesium deficient. Magnesium supplements are an easy way to make sure you are getting enough of the mineral. There are also topical body oils that contain magnesium. An Epsom salt bath is both relaxing and a way in which magnesium can be topically absorbed. Magnesium deficiency can cause many symptoms and conditions, some of which are:
- Cramping
- Muscle twitches
- Back and neck pain
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Vitamin D. Many people are deficient in Vitamin D. Increasing one’s level of Vitamin D can result in the reduction of chronic pain. A blood test can determine if you are deficient in the vitamin and if so, supplements are readily available; your doctor will advise as to how much should be taken.
- Cherry juice. Tart cherry juice is anti-inflammatory and has antioxidant properties that help to relax muscles.
- Chamomile tea. Chamomile is an herb that is well known for its ability to relax the user. It may also help decrease muscle spasms.
Elk Grove Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello and thanks for reading – I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Elk Grove, California. If you have been involved in an automobile accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver, my office may be able to assist you. I welcome you to call our law firm for free and friendly advice. Our local and toll-free phone numbers, respectively, are (916) 694-0002 and (800) 404-5400. We also have an option for you to contact us online.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/stretching-sports-woman-athlete-498256/
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