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Magnesium For Pain Relief

Hello,

I've read that magnesium can do wonders for muscular, nerve, bone, etc. pains.  Anyone tried it?

Such as by increasing your diet with magnesium-rich foods, Epsom Salt bath soak, or supplements?


13 Responses
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Avatar universal
I ordered magnesium spray and it did help the pain some, but not that much
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Hi Carmen5761.  How do you use the spray?  What is the history of your pain if I can ask you that?  
Avatar universal
I came across an incredible study of two cases of severe pain from magnesium deficiency:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2146789/pdf/canfamphys00077-0094.pdf
Helpful - 0
547368 tn?1440541785
Thank you Susan....(a very knowledgeable new member.)

What the forum doesn't know is that you are a professional and we have been discussing SIJ (sacroiliac joint) Dysfunction....and the available treatments in PT.

I greatly appreciate this information. I will copy it and place it in a journal for use and future reference.

My SIJ Dysfunction originated from MVA that among other things severely injured my SIJ. It was dismissed and went undiagnosed for ever ten years. Obviously there is no treatment this is effective at this point. Had I had the above treatment initially I would in all probability not be disabled....or it may have been years before I reached the point I am at.

This is the very reason that I employ anyone with symptoms that may be SIJ related to investigate the possibility and seek diagnosis and treatment. Thank you again for sharing this information.

This does NOT mean that anyone that believes that have SIJD should begin the above regime. SIJD requires a diagnosis and approval from your physician before an at home exercise program is initiated.

And thank you Compnet for allowing us to change the subject on your thread. I appreciate your patience and understanding.

Additionally Epsom salts treatment/soaks can be contraindicated in CHF (Congestive Heart) patients and those with similar fluid/salt restricted diets/conditions. You should always consult your PCP.

My Best to All,
~Tuck  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Physical Therapy that makes SI joint pain worse................
Usually due to lack of experience or specialized orthopedic training on part of PT.  

Bottom line- only see a PT who specializes in SI joint dysfunction and pelvic spine/pain.
Generic exercise can easily make you worse.  
The problem has to do with biomechanical asymmetry (boney and muscular)
Usually, I find that one leg is longer.  I measure from the side of the femur to the ankle bone for a true leg length assessment.
I like to mark the SI joints with a marker and then take a picture with my camera phone with them standing.   I watch the patient walk to see how asymmetrical their gait is and sometimes use my google phone to take a movie of the hip action to analyze later.
I add an orthotic in 1 shoe to correct "short" leg.  The 3 I choose from are full sole, 3/4 sole and just a heel lift.  Each has a different function.  
Using the wrong orthotic or not understanding when, why and how to decide which one to use is crucial.   For someone with = leg length but one hip tipped backwards in relation to other... the heel lift is the solution.  It is the WRONG solution if the problem is a true leg length difference.  
We then verify whether the choice is the right one by assessment of hip alignment standing and during gait.  Again I use my camera and-or take a  video.  

Next:  pelvic stabilization exercises lying on back with both knees bent.  
Focus on tilting top of hips down and flattening waist. Pubic bone rolls upwards toward ceiling.   THIS IS NOT A LIFT OF THE BUTTOCKS,  ONLY A ROLL.  
Press into the feet to help move the pelvis.

The Piriformis-Outer thigh stretch can also help the pain.   Lying on back with knees bent, cross one ankle across the other knee.  Pull the bent knee with the opposite arm over the body toward the opposite shoulder and gently pull and hold for at least 20-30 seconds.
Some folks are so unstable that they benefit from use of an SI belt to hold sacrum and hips in alignment while they are inflammed.   This is gradually weaned away as the abs get stronger with exercise.

Traumatic SI joint injuries.... if the ligaments are over stretched too much from,say, a fall or car wreck..... no exercise can make the injured, lax ligaments tighten.  
These people should see someone who specializes in PROLOTHERAPY...  
This is done with a series of injections into the lax ligament designed to cause shrinking and tightening of collagen fibers of the ligament.  Properly diagnosed, prolotherapy has an incredible success rate and can literally cure the dysfunction.  

FINALLY,  I saw the Q and A re. Magnesium.   One person mentioned soaking in Epsom salts which can be great!    The contraindication is Diabetes.  
Helpful - 0
547368 tn?1440541785
You're right Confused, Magnesium is not a herbal supplement. I don't think I implied that it was....but if you got that from my post I apologize.  I called it a supplement which is what vitamins, minerals and herbals and so forth are considered when taken in addition to those that you receive through normal dietary intake. I'm sorry if my post was confusing.

Compnet there are Magnesium supplements available without a prescription. However it is always best to consult with your physician. Magnesium toxicity is rare but high doses can interfere with the absorption and utilization of calcium.

A good nutritionist would be beneficial is addressing your thoughts. Thanks for reminding us of these over looked natural remedies.

~Tuck  
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Avatar universal
That's interesting. I know with my chronic pain condition I try to use the safest methods of management and I always thought that magnesium helped. I also eat bananas too, because I just feel like the potassium helps.

I do feel much better with the bananas especially.
I have to take Norco 7.5/325 3 or 4 times a day and I really feel an impact with some vitamins and foods. They boost the relief, and increases some longevity.

However, I had to stop with the calcium supplements. I started getting repeated kidney stones and the doc said no more!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Typical multivitamins don't tend to have the RDI of magnesium, though there probably are some out there that do.  The worse your problems, probably the worse the deficiency and a really good personalized theraputic dose needs be worked out with your doctor.



I just came across a very good article by an MD with two case reports.  These particular people have severe muscle pain due to a magnesium deficiency.

Muscle cramps and magnesium deficiency: case reports
DOUGLAS LJ. BILBEY, MD, PHD
VICTOR NI. PRABHAKARAN, MD, FRCPC
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2146789/pdf/canfamphys00077-0094.pdf



Some article highlights:

*Magnesium deficiency is more common than is believed.

*His active lifestyle, which in itself decreases serum magnesium
through sweat, combined with his eating
habits, undoubtedly resulted in a negative magnesium
balance and eventually a deficiency. (We
understand that this condition is recognized in
soldiers of the South African Armed Forces, such
that Slo-Mg is prescribed prophylactically.)

*Magnesium is an important element for normal
biological function, especially for neuromuscular
activity. However, magnesium deficiency is rarely
considered in relation to clinical problems, mainly
because of earlier difficulties in assessing magnesium
status (serum magnesium measurement is
now more readily available) and because this element
is given little attention in medical education.'

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Avatar universal

But magnesium is not an herbal supplement, it is part of our own vitamin and mineral needs. Herbal supplements are something totally different. If you you think this mineral would help you, maybe you should talk to your PCP.
If you take a multi vitamin, then you are likely already taking some magnesium.
Helpful - 0
547368 tn?1440541785
Hello Compnet,

You asked a good question. Magnesium and calcium work in tandem.

Every muscle in the body requires calcium in order to Contract while Magnesium is required to make them Relax. According to what I have learned and read some painful conditions like cramps and spasms can be due to a lack of magnesium. This even includes our smooth muscles like those in the arteries in the heart.

I found this on Magnesium:
“Magnesium is vital for healthy muscle metabolism and function. Yet, when you have a magnesium deficiency, you may experience excessive muscle tension, muscle spasms, restlessness, tics, and twitches. Studies now indicate that magnesium is particularly important for those with fibromyalgia as its inhibits nerve receptors linked to the trigger point pain and regulates the release of neurohormones.”
From: “The Fibromyalgia Handbook” By Harris H. McIlwain,
          Debra Fulghum Bruce, Debra Fulghum, Ph.D. (p 208)


The use of magnesium in managing pain is becoming more popular. Research studies reveal conclusive proof that magnesium is an effective tool in pain management. These studies have shown that is actually neutralize pain producing chemicals. Does this means it is the answer for everyone in every type of pain? Absolutely not. But if has any effective at all in just a few cases it certainly bears consideration. It's basically harmless when taken as directed by your physician.  

Before taking any supplement always check with your physician. My PCP will not allow me to take a herbal or any type of supplement without her consent. So please consult yours. I hope you'll let us know how you are doing. We'll look forward to your updates with interest. We all learn from one another.

Take Care,
~Tuck
Helpful - 0
483733 tn?1326798446
I have Lupus and fibromyalgia.  I do find that an epsom salt bath does help.  I take magnesium, not sure if it helps but am afraid to not take it.  when you get a mix of meds and supplements that works then you don't want to mess with them.
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Avatar universal
I have heard the formula has a lot to do with the success of it.  Also, the dose may need to be higher for certain people.  Some of the safest and most effective forms I've learned of include: Taurate, Glycinate and Citrate (can be laxitative.)

George Eby has a site where he discusses antagonists to magnesium, especially calcium-rich foods, like dairy.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had to stop taking my muscle relaxer so my doctor has me taking 10,000 i.u a day of magnesium.  I have to say, it's not nearly as effective as the muscle relaxer and I can't say that it really does anything to help.
I did notice, however, that I forgot to take it the past few days and today I have a very severe muscle spasm that is like someone literally taking a fistfull of my muscle and squeezing.  
I took both magnesium (I take 2 a day) at the same time and the pain did get a little better, but the spasm is still there.
It never hurts to try something that is good for you, though.  I've also been told magnesium is good for constipation, which is an issue for people taking pain medications and I have found the magnesium does help there.
I have used epsom salt to soak either my feet or my sore muscles and it does help a good deal.  
Please let us know if you try it and it does some good.
Helpful - 0
172023 tn?1334672284
I tried magnesium pills for my muscle spasms, and it didn't do a bit of good, in my opinion.  

But it could help, I suppose.  
Helpful - 0
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