Myalgia, or muscle pain, can be a symptom of many different conditions in the body. Muscle pains can be short lived, as a result of overuse, but most of my clients are concerned with chronic muscle aches and pains as a result of something more significant. Sorting out the cause of sore muscles can often require a keen understanding of the body and a thorough evaluation of several different body systems. In most cases however, natural symptom relief can be easily achieved through boosting certain vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Structure can play a big part in chronic muscle pain, especially when muscle soreness is on one side of the body or segmented to a certain area. A proper structural analysis may be done through a knowledgeable medical professional, involving specific body measurements to determine ways to improve overall posture. Repetitive strain on a certain muscle group from improper posture can result in irritation. This irritation can be prevented when the body is in better alignment. Think posture!
Chronic muscle pain that occurs in both sides of the body or in more than a few muscle groups is likely an indication of more than just misalignment. People that have chronic muscle soreness may require a more thorough evaluation to determine the cause of their discomfort. Evaluations should be preformed by a professional that understands functional medicine and should look for immunological and/or hormonal causes of chronic muscle pain.
Muscles are one of the largest energy producing organs of the body. This is important because when energy production cannot occur properly, metabolic waste products can build up leading to inflammation and pain. Muscles also require a large amount of blood flow in order to keep up with waste elimination and oxygen requirements. Protein and vegetables are the macro-nutrients that our bodies need to support proper circulation and maintain proper muscle function.
Breaking down proteins and extracting minerals requires a healthy digestive system and adequate stomach acid production. When supplements support a noticeable reduction in muscle pain, in the presence of a healthy diet, it may be that you are not breaking down and absorbing your nutrients properly. In cases such as this, a trial of digestive enzymes and stomach acid replacement, in the form of betaine hydrochloric acid, may be worth looking into. Some specific key nutrients involved in muscle repair and function are the minerals magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc. All of the B vitamins, along with vitamin C, D, E and the conditionally essential vitamin Co-enzyme Q10 are also important is supporting muscle health. Specific amino acids that help with circulation and improve muscle function and repair are taurine, glutamine, arginine, carnitine, methionine, creatine and the branched chain amino acids, leucine, isoleucine and valine. Finally, a special sugar called d-ribose may be helpful for people with chronic muscle pain and energy concerns as it helps produce muscle energy.