Muscle aches are caused by a variety of factors, including flu, fever, hangover, or more serious ailments such as chronic pain or arthritis. To relieve the discomfort, you must first hydrate yourself well and get comfortable. If the pain persists, try other remedies, such as applying ice to the affected areas, performing deep tissue massages, or using essential oils. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Mitigate the Pain with a Home Remedy
Step 1. Drink a glass of water
Dehydration can cause various side effects, including pain in the muscles and in the body in general. To avoid this, try to drink enough. Staying well hydrated helps to have flexible muscles, thus avoiding cramps or pains.
Unfortunately, it is just commonplace to think that water is effective for soothing the headaches and discomfort caused by a hangover
Step 2. Take a warm bath
If you get cramps after a hard workout or feel sore from the flu, try taking a warm bath. The high temperature of the water helps to relax and calm the muscles. This way you will fight the pain and feel better overall.
If you don't notice any particular improvement, try pouring 2 cups of Epsom salts into the bathtub. Soak for at least 12 minutes. The salts allow you to absorb magnesium, a mineral that helps relieve pain
Step 3. Lie down under a thermal blanket or heating pad
If the pain affects a large part of the body (as happens for example with flu pain), lie down and cover yourself with a thermal blanket. The heat will relax the muscles, helping to fight the pain. Heat therapy can be particularly effective for treating discomfort due to arthritis or chronic muscle pain.
- If you have a fever or chills, don't curl up in a blanket and don't use a heating pad. Instead, make the room temperature pleasant.
- If the pain is concentrated (for example, only one shoulder hurts), apply a heating pad directly to the area affected by the discomfort.
- The temperature of the thermal blanket or heating pad should be lukewarm rather than hot to avoid burning yourself. Calculate sessions of 15 or 30 minutes at a time.
Step 4. Massage a blend of essential oils into your sore muscles
Some oils are a great natural remedy for muscle aches. Mix 3 to 4 drops of peppermint or lavender oil with 3 to 4 drops of coconut oil, then massage the mixture into the affected area.
- Essential oils can be found in herbal shops and stores that sell natural products.
- Black pepper and arnica oils are also effective for soothing discomfort.
Step 5. Apply ice to the pain area
If a particular muscle or area of your body hurts, do an ice pack. Ice dulls muscle inflammation and numbs the nerve endings that send pain signals to the brain.
- This remedy is also useful in case the pains are due to intense training. Applying ice to the muscles you have exercised the most will ease the pain and speed up the healing process.
- Calculate sessions of about 20 to 30 minutes at a time. If you expose your skin to ice for longer, you risk causing small skin lesions or, in the worst case, chilblains.
Method 2 of 3: Take Analgesics and Consult a Doctor
Step 1. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Active ingredients such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are effective in relieving headaches and minor muscle aches. If the pain does not go away despite having taken the recommended doses of a certain drug, consider that some active ingredients can be combined with each other. For example, you can take a full dose of acetaminophen and ibuprofen simultaneously.
You can find several types of over-the-counter pain relievers at the pharmacy
Step 2. If you have persistent pain, see a doctor to diagnose it
If you have pains in your muscles or body more than twice a month, or if you experience intense pain, it is possible that they are due to a pathology to be analyzed. Describe your symptoms to your doctor so that he or she can make a diagnosis. To confirm this, he or she will likely ask you for a complete blood count or other specific types of tests. Persistent pain can be symptomatic of:
- Fibromyalgia;
- Chronic fatigue syndrome;
- Lyme disease;
- Multiple sclerosis.
Step 3. Talk to your doctor about taking a prescription pain reliever
If the pain persists or worsens even after taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, talk to your doctor. He may prescribe you limited doses of medicines such as codeine, morphine, fentanyl, or oxycodone.
Keep in mind that many prescription pain relievers (such as oxycodone) can be addictive. Do not exceed the doses indicated by your doctor
Method 3 of 3: Massage and Workout
Step 1. Perform a deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massages allow you to expel toxins and inflammatory chemicals found in the muscles, as these may be responsible for the problem. The massage also increases the blood flow to the sore muscles, alleviating the discomfort.
Most spas offer deep tissue massages. Before the session, explain to the massage therapist that you would like to receive this type of treatment
Step 2. Massage the muscle knots
If you feel marble-sized hard knots in the sore area, try applying direct pressure to them. In this way it is possible to relieve tension and mitigate pain. Use your thumb or index finger to apply constant, direct pressure to the knot for about 45 seconds.
- If you are having trouble reaching a knot on your back, ask someone to help you.
- Alternatively, massage the knots in your back by lying down on a tennis ball. Place a tennis ball on the floor and settle on it, so that it is placed directly under the knot. Lie down and let the ball apply pressure to the sore area.
Step 3. Train sore muscles
Although it may seem counterproductive, physical activity helps to combat pain in the muscles or affecting the body in general. Exercises like yoga, jogging (or walking), and tai chi relieve muscle stress. They also increase the blood flow to the muscles, and also allow them to stretch and relax. In this way you will be able to fight the pain and discomfort you accuse.
Avoid doing too strenuous workouts, such as more intense weightlifting exercises, as they can exacerbate muscle aches
Advice
- Both heat and cold therapy can relieve pain in the muscles or affecting the body in general. Use an ice pack if you have localized pain, swelling, or discomfort (for example, only one shoulder hurts). If the pain is more extensive (such as from the flu), take a warm bath or use a heating pad. Also try alternating hot and cold sessions (each session should last about 10 minutes).
- If you tend to suffer from muscle aches or pains that affect the body in general, avoid overdoing it with alcohol or caffeine. These substances can cause dehydration, exacerbate pain and cause muscle cramps.
