Effective Natural Remedies for Muscle Health and Recovery

About a year ago, a therapist suggested vitamin D for my chronic, nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. She recommended 4,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. I got a little better but not much, and didn't associate it with vitamin D supplementation at the time. Then about a month ago I heard about the Vitamin D Council, a non-profit group of physicians and research scientists, and I went on their website.

Knowing from a recent blood test that I am somewhat deficient in vitamin D, and based on what I was reading, I immediately began taking 8,000 IU of D3, and what an improvement!

In just a few weeks I am almost completely pain-free in the neck, shoulders, hips and knees. I don't believe it is a coincidence because I've been dealing with muscle pain for 6 years now. I will drop back to the Council's recommended dosage in the next few months, at which time I can get some of my vitamin D from the sun.

If there really is a magic bullet, it could very well be vitamin D. It helps just about every aspect of the human body. If you don't spend much time outside, are in the habit of slathering on sunscreen, or if you live north of 35 degrees latitude, you are probably low on D. Please be aware that although this research appears to be solid, and I know for certain it has helped me, it isn't yet mainstream and differs considerably from government recommendations. It is important to have your vitamin D level checked so you have some idea of how much you need. It's also important to know that vitamin D supplements must be D3, which is cholecalciferol, the same thing our bodies make from sunshine.

This post is a few years old but I was in a yoga class where the instructor had us in a deep cow type stretch. She pushed 'gently' downward on my back and there it went. Could hardly walk or sit, lower back muscles cinching. At time it felt like my legs were giving out and had to borrow a friend's cane for support. Found a wonderful chiropractor who didn't perform the usual manipulations but gentle stretches, drop table and the activator. In 2 treatments, I'm 95% better. It took 3 days to get on his schedule but in the meantime I applied DMSO (2/3 DMSO:1/3 distilled water) and it was a lifesaver. Since, it's also helped in our household with a tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, arthritic knee.

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved father. Never blame yourself for the gross injuries and deaths going unpunished from errors made by doctors as well as huge profits from toxic prescriptions. Research, and you will find that more than 500,000 patients die every year from medical error and prescriptions drugs.

Your gut feeling was diluted and negated by the brainwashing of our society by so-called authority figures and "expert" status of doctors and other medical specialists virtue signaling their 'trust me' knowledge. Ask any one of them what they learned in medical school about nutrition, and they will say about one chapter from one book.

Current example: NY governor Como, killing thousands of healthy elders by dumping them in nursing homes where many suffer from severely compromised health. He wore it as a badge of honor and said, "...We did a beautiful thing in those hospitals..."

Pray for others who will unwittingly will fall prey to these quacks.

Laurie from Texas,

One simple and inexpensive remedy you can try is magnesium chloride oil applied to your calves and actually both legs, butt and back to see if the mag oil will allow that muscle group to relax and relieve pressure on your spine.

Here is a link to one basic inexpensive product that will be enough for you to test it and see if it helpful or not :

https://amzn.to/2Zwcp5v

Art

I have this strange condition that occurs when I repeatedly use my muscles they stiffen and won't relax. For example if I walk a lot or stand all day my calf muscles tighten up and will remain hard for days. When this goes on it pulls on my tendons causing pain. I am 58 and this has been going on for over 10 years. It has caused my to back off of exercise for fear of stiff and sometimes painful muscles. Does anyone have natural remedy suggestions that might help?

Try bentonite clay.

Lin,

The way you described that you are taking the liquid magnesium chloride, it sounds like you may be taking it orally? If that is correct, you might have better luck using it topically if what you have is a 50% magnesium chloride solution or less. If it is stronger than a 50% solution, you may have to dilute it or just get or make your own mag oil to 50% magnesium chloride flakes to 50% distilled water. I just applied a 50% solution to my face to make sure it is doable and it seems to be fine. Do not get near the eyes!

Art

Thank you for your suggestions. Currently I am on a limited income and cannot go to practitioners mentioned. I started taking liquid magnesium chloride last week. No change in frequency of spasms so far.

The VA nursing home doctor put our 88 yr old Dad on statins. I can't help but believe they caused jaundice, that ultimately resulted in his demise. Cause? Liver cancer that traveled onward. Still breaks my heart that I listened to that doctor while foregoing my intuition.

I messed my shoulder up bad to the point I could barely move it. I got on here and I soaked a wash cloth with avc and put it on my shoulder with in minutes it took my pain away. Thank u earth clinic.com and the reviews.. I recommend it if ur muscles hurt or u pulled it. I can't get over how much it helped me out.

I have taken the ACV Baking Soda treatment. I was told this by my acupuncturist for my muscle pain. I had started a walking program but I was experiencing muscle pain when I sit too long or stand. It has helped that but it has also kept my weight down. Since not be able to walk like I was. I am going to start back walking or some form of exercise 30 minutes a day. I am glad taking 1 month off has not made me gain any of the weight back.

Dear Editor, In your section of advice for those suffering from muscle issues such as muscle aches, pains and strains, I think you unfortunately omited to mention the absolute necessity for adequate hydration (unless I misssed it). This is apparently so important for the proper functioning of muscles, that mention of this fact should surely be included in your initial advice section. Thank you.

I'm nearing 60 and after having taken a statin for several years, about a year ago I began having awful muscle pain that, even after 4 mos. off the drug, pain persists. I am going to try and use Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother, of course! ) and see if I feel any better. I'll keep you posted!

I can vouch for the emu oil. It works better than any other topical analgesic I've tried.

Dear Fran....I am not Ted, but wanted to throw this idea at you. Look up nightshade plants On a search engine like google. Stop eating all nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, etc.) for thirty days...that is the test. if this is your problem, you will know it, probably within a week. I do know that if I eat a lot of tomatoes and potatoes....I get horrid fatigue and body aches.

If you google "nightshade plants, symptoms" and read about this...you might just want to give it a try. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Good luck!

Could you clarify your post. You said you HAD (past tense) dystonia and DBS. Is this the condition you are trying to get rid of or something else and what is it called?

Hi Ted,

You are my last hope. I have had Dystonia and had DBS. The problem my body is weak all over. My muscles ache so bad that I feel like a rag doll. I don't get much sleep as the pain and jumping sensation in my legs keep me awake. They tell me it is not restless legs as they would stop jumping when I move round. No matter what I do the ache does not stop.

I am at my wits end. If I walk upstairs the pain is so severe I nee to sit on the bed to recover.

I have tried cider vinegar, coconut oil, magnesium and all the rest of the cures I find on Earth clinic.

Can you throw any light on this.

Thanks. Fran

Try taking 1 tsp or 2 of yellow mustard for the knotted muscle, it helped mine.

Inversion tables can be very expensive and many times you buy one without actually being able to try it out. When I was looking for an inversion table I read a lots of reviews as well as lot about inversion therapy and was able to find the table that was the best fit for me.

On the alcohol absolute? Can you just use regular alcohol like you use making tincture? thanks the camphor and clove will numb it, used to use as anestesia at the dentist, lol

As far as muscle pain goes watch out if you are taking statins. They block an essential enzyme produced in the liver for muscles. Fifty per cent of those prescribed them have to stop taking them due to this. But sometimes as the pain comes on sometimes months after taking them they are misdiagnosed as another ailment. Some doctors are saying that statins do nothing except make the sellers a lot of money.

Thank you for your response, Dave. I will try your suggestions and see what happens. This is why I love Earthclinic. I have used this site several times and it sure beats going to the Dr. unless you have to. Thanks again!!

Hello HKaren528

You have progressive right back lower muscle pain extending upward over time...

I like all the different suggestions but let me give you another possible one ... well two. If you have not had muscle pain around the body before and assuming your leg muscle strength demonstrates there is no MS or MD issue... My HUNCH is your pelvis is out. Low back right pelvis can emanate upward and pinch the dorsal nerves causing stiffness or spasms up the side of the back. Or if not the pelvis out, there may be some bulging or pinching in the dorsal and that could be causing the same. Stiffness can be a form of spasming. By spasming I don't necessarily mean contractions and release. A spasm can be simply a hardening or tightening.

Here's a test to see if perhaps the vertebrae sublaxation might be causing the muscle tightening.

Lie on your stomach. Have someone who has some upper body strength to press against your beltline (pelvis) with about forty pounds of pressure. As he pushes (basically holding the pelvis as firmly down as he can without pushing through you).... Put your hands under your shoulders and as if you were doing a push up, push gently letting the lower back (vertebrae) come upward while the pelvis is in place. That first push should be just five or six inches and then after staying in that up position and getting used to the pressure, again press upward another inch or two.

Let your helper hold and you hold that posture for fifteen seconds. Repeat if you can. It really feels great for a bad back that is pelvis related tilted to one side.

If you feel some real lower back pain in the pelvis as he is pushing and as you lift up, then it is likely that your problem is a vertebrae curvature/ pinching/spasm issue.

This exercise daily for a week, if you suspect that the lower back might be the cause, should bring substantial release of the muscle spasm within that week. You should not sit on "cushy" couches which cause you to slouch or in cars with little back support.

The point is: You may have this low back problem and never put together the spasm of back muscles but the two might be directly related.

Someone familiar with pressure point therapy could use pressure points to tell in five minutes if the two are related. If you are not familiar with pressure point therapy, the helper, while you are on floor face down, takes his finger and presses gently at first into the area from which pain seems to radiate. I am guessing that the stressed muscle on right back are sore but one place is far more sore than anywhere. Now find that spot, trace the pain, usually along a nerve line. Usually that pain traces to a rib and or vertebrae. Then the helper could press for 30 seconds at about ten pounds of pressure and let up. Repeat twenty minutes later and I've found that the intense pain has reduced by half. Upon finding the "source" you could apply any moisture application topically for further relief. Just discussed on Earth Clinic is the use of cabbage leaf! Or any oil that is known for its healing qualities could be rubbed into the tender area.

Now those were two physiological approaches rather than a nutritional one. (The two are not mutually exclusive, but the relation of back muscle to vertebrae and or rib dislocation and pelvis shift is very very very common.)

One last long shot.... You have a kidney stone. Really this is possible. Sometimes a ks will cause lower right or lower left numb like pain, as if a rib is out. And then instead of turning acute, continues to radiate and as it radiates the muscle is subject to spasm. My favorite remedy is glass of putrefied water with juice of half lemon. Do that twelve times in one day... Total 6 lemons. Repeat for 12 days. Stone should pass in five to ten days. I've gotten rid of four stones in past six years or so. Oh, brush teeth after each glass so citric acid won't harm your teeth.

If it is indeed muscle problems, I would highly suggest magnesium oil. It cured my frozen shoulder and I use for my lower back when it's in spasm, it's a lifesaver. Sometimes I apply coconut oil on top of it, they're a great combo. Arnica is good for muscle soreness as well. As long as you've been checked out and it's not something internal, like kidney issues, etc. Do you have a chiropractor you could go to? They could give you a better answer than a regular GP probably. Check out the muscle soreness page here on earth clinic, lots of info there.

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/muscle_issues.html

Good luck.

Dear Hkaren528,

For your immediate discomfort, raw unpastuerized apple cider vinegar, topically, may help (believe it or not! ) We have seen it help muscle trouble very quickly. You can put it on a cloth and apply it to the uncomfortable place, for a few minutes or even a few hours. Castor oil, topically, is another option. Peppermint essential oil is also a good short term solution to muscle discomfort.

I agree with Ed that alkalizing your body and walking or jogging daily are very important.

There are a number of remedies on the Muscle Ailment page here at Earth Clinic if you haven't seen that yet. I think the Coconut Oil and Blackstrap Molasses would be good places to start.

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/muscle_issues.html#CO

I would make sure your shoes are not aggravating your back.

If you are even a little dehydrated, your pain will be worse. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water (2 quarts) daily. (Coffee and soda don't count as they will likely aggravate your condition. ) Sugar also tends to increase pain.

Please let us know what helps you. I hope you are pain free soon!

~Mama to Many~

Acidic body can cause muscle stiffness or can be fibromyalgia. Inactive muscle can cause muscle stiffness as well.

Start with a simple cure. Take Ted's Alkalizing formula 3 times a day. Search for Ted's Alkalizing formula in EC.

Jog or walk for 15 minutes everyday.

Good Health.

I went to the Dr. last year because I was experiencing some stiffness in my lower back on the right side. I could only feel the stiffness when I stretched. I have not been doing anything strenuous so I could not figure out why I had this stiffness. Two months later, the stiffness traveled to the middle of my back on the right side. I answered no to all the Dr.s questions. Then she told me to bend over while she pushed on my back. She said she could feel resistance. She told me that exercise would be good for it. I have not made time to exercise but I do stretch. Months later, I am still having the same problem. Is there anyone who has experienced this? What kind of remedy could I use?

I have had a bad upper back for years. Yes, the chiropractor can help. If you pull a muscle, and keep over using it you can send it into spasm, and just throw everything out of whack.

I also have a foam roller I use. They look like large foam "Water weenies" that kids use in pools, but the foam roller is much sturdier. You lay it on the floor and then roll on top of it.... It is excellent for self back massage. There are videos on the web showing how to use them. I love mine, it only cost around twenty dollars if I remember correctly.

Another thing, but much more expensive, is an inversion table. Cost anywhere from a couple hundred on up for a decent one.... Maybe a person could find one on Craigslist more cheaply though. They are excellent for stretching also. Again, more info on inversion tables online also. YouTube is usually a good source for videos.

And it goes without saying.... a decent massage therapist can do wonders if you have good insurance that will cover it.

I know how miserable a bad upper back / muscle spasm can be. I wish you very good luck in getting your back healthy again! :-)

If you could find a good chiropractor, that may help.

Also, Raw Apple Cider Vinegar poured onto a cloth and covering the area with it (then cover with plastic and a towel) is also great for this type of thing. You could do this for an hour or two while watching TV or do this overnight. Try this daily for a week if needed.

Turmeric - 1/2 -1 t. twice a day is also a great anti-inflammatory and may help this, too.

I would think a chiropractor would help. Here is an exercise that is simple, gentle and helps me with all sorts of back/muscle pains. Especially the muscle tension I get at my shoulders.

Lie flat on your back, on the bed is okay, no pillow under your head. Put your arms straight out at your sides. (You're making a T.) Then bring your knees up and flop them over to one side and turn your head to the opposite side. Do some deep breathing. About 4 deep slow breaths in and out. Then bring your head and knees back to the center and swith them to their opposite sides. Again, deep breaths. Do this a few times.

Good luck.

I'm 49, male, and white and over weight, I'm 5'9 and weigh 194 - 197.

The issue: I have a pulled muscle in my upper back. its located from my neck down to my lower back. Its primarily around my rib cage area. This was diagonsed by my doctor. Currently, its very sore. Also, my left shoulder blade is also affected, it acts like it sticks. I'm not sure how I got this one. I was having this before the August job.

How I got it? Probably overdid by picking up something I shouldn't have.

This job started on August 16. I moved 105 boxes, weighing between 40# - 50#. Then on the 17 - 18, working for pizza delivery, carried 2 - 3 big bags containing 12 pizzas to a roller skating rink. then on the 19, moved 25 more boxes. In this particular group, I think this is where I hurt myself unintentionally. I was loading the boxes on the cart, but I didn't loaded it properly as it was going to tip over when I turned the cart. So I had to unload the boxes from the cart and reload the boxes correctly. one of those boxes. Weighed roughly 80#. So, basically, I picked up this box 4 times.

To make matters worse, I got sick that week (I didn't realize that I was sick with a flu like sypmtoms). my back was bothering me alot, my being sick made this worse. my back pain masked my sickness. it wasn't until I had pain in my legs that I realized I was sick and had body pains consistent with being sick. I used asprin, allegra, Aleve & advil. Asprin & Allegra was used to fight off my sickness, it kept it at bay, but usually came back. It wasn't until I found a dayquill generic brand that had and forgot about. It took care of colds/flu. I alternated with allegra & this product and the flu-like symptoms were gone in 3 days. Aleve & advil were used to reduce the pain in my upper back while I was sick.

What I would like to know is there any treatment for dealing with a very sore pulled muscle in the upper back. Would seeing a chiropraction help?

I would not recommend whey protein as it has bad additives in it. You are better off finding a herbal solution. Something natural from nature. Research herbs. Anything man made is synthetic. Rather than taking extracts take the real thing. Wheatgrass juice, alfalfa (leaves, juice, tea), carrot juice. Comfrey leaves and juices (or tea) is one of the best things to take. Find some local comfrey (and research it). Nettle is very good for you in a tea or leaf (slightly steamed). All disease is caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the body. Research herb remedies but not man made herbal supplements. I would never take synthetic supplements again.

@111laker: from reading the wiki page here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcopenia, it appears a problem in immune and hormone function among other factors. With all these major and minor body system disruptions; there is obviously some underlying issues which are not addressed by professionals.

For immediate relief, supplement Whey Protein w/ Added Glutamine, as well as Creatine Monohydrate to restore muscle function. Also supplement DHEA hormone (50mg daily) as well as Testosterone boosting herbs like Maca, Avena Sativa, Horney Goat Weed, Tribulus Terrestris, Mucuna Pruriens, Tongkat Ali; and the amino D-Aspartic Acid.

To treat the underlying issues try detoxification remedies here on E.C.

Hi all, just reading about a muscular condition called sarcopenia abd wondered if anyone could shed a little light on the subject. There is no info that I can find here on it...

Dear Lin from Florida, Looks like Bess had some great ideas for you! A couple of things come to my mind that you could safely, easily and inexpensively try. One is Blackstrap molasses. 1 T, once or twice a day. (Right off the spoon, or mixed in milk or coffee or whatever.) I have seen it so helpful for calming muscle problems.

Another thing to try is chamomile tea. At least 2 mugs a day. But it is very relaxing and might make you sleepy. Pour boiling water over the tea bag in a mug. Let it steep for 10 minutes or so. Remove tea bag and sweeten if you like.

Finally, some peppermint and/or lavender essential oil massaged in the area of spasm a couple of times a day, or when it is bothering you might help. The peppermint oil is pretty strong and you might want to mix a few drops into 1/2 t. of coconut oil. Don't get it in your eyes. It will not cause long term harm, but it will not be comfortable.

Let us know what helps you!

~Mama to Many~

Hi Lin from Florida - Are you able to visit a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner? Perhaps a licensed acupuncturist would help. I did hear that SPZM tablets have alleviated various spasms (including facial, upper back, neck, etc.). They are available at Amazon as well as other online suppliers. I'm sure a TCM doctor would have them as well.

One customer review for SPZM tablets (on pureformulas.com) said: "I have been using SPZM for over six months to help control my hemifacial spasms. It has helped me quite a bit with this condition with no noticeable side effects."

Hope this helps. Cheers, Bess

I am posting this in hopes that someone knows a natural treatment for hemifacial spasms. I do not want to take drugs or get botox injections.

Most of us have a magnesium deficiency. Please read Dr. Sircus about transdermal magnesium. I have found it very helpful for arthritis. I do not think you should apply it on the wound. But elsewhere would be good. It will absorb and help heal. The product is called magnesium oil. It is not actually an "oil" but does share some characteristics of an oil. It absorbs in a few minutes. Like most all supplements, patience helps as defiencies are not corrected overnight.

My first thought was Magnesium for her muscle pain. Perhaps nice, long soaks in the tub with Epsom Salts? (1-2 cups dissolved in the bath water.)

It may even benefit the healing of the incision.

In reply to Ceann (Manchester , Ia) on 02/09/2013

Please help! My 16 year old had her 3rd disc rupture and 2nd back surgery in 3 years. She is still not pain free and doctor said she won't be due to ddd. Her incision is still oozing 2.5 months after surgery. I will start her on the hyluronic acid and sea salt, but what else for the muscle pain??

Vitamin K, Vit D plus Calcium for strong bones. A warm soaked Epsom Salt wash towel over the affected area 2x daily will help.

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I have had muscle knots in shoulders off and on for about 7 years. I believe it has been from a troubled relationship that is on and off with daughter. (just background for you)

I started MSM and it is wonderful nutrition, however, when I take it, in the muscle knots, msm causing swelling in the muscle knots and it causes severe pain from swelling.

Motrin or anything does not help with swelling. It makes it hard to work. I was on 2 gm. Went down to one gm. But cannot take the swelling pain so had to stop taking it.

Any ideas? I think its healing it and I tried to hang in there so only took it on days off. Can't handle the swelling that causes pain. But I want to continue msm for the wonderful other benifits.

Any ideas would be nice. Nora