Heath Help - Things You Can Do To Help With Your Pain

Hello all. I'm sure you noticed this is not one of my normal posts during the week. That's because I've been having some inflammation on my back. It nothing too serious and I'm actually much better. I still just wanted to rest it instead of sitting at the computer. I usually write my posts the night before so that it can be posted in the early morning but lately I've been icing my back and watching Downton Abby instead. All this inspired me to offer some easy tips that work that help me ease muscle tension or chronic pain. Other than popping some ibuprofen for a couple days and ice because those are just a given. Here's a list of my favorite fairly inexpensive ways to help with pain.

1. Drink Water

Most of the time muscle pain and chronic pain are caused by dehydration. So put down the soda and drink some water. We are water based organisms after all. If you are really hurting I suggest drinking water all day.

2. Coconut Water

Coconut water has a lot of heath benefits but most importantly it is very high in potassium. Even higher than bananas. Potassium is great for muscle aches and cramps. Coconut water is also extremely good for hydration. If your going to drink plain unflavored coconut water try it cold first. It's kind of an acquired taste and the cold takes the edge off. If you don't like the plain stuff all sorts of brands sell it with natural flavors such as pineapple. The Naked brand of smoothies and juices sell a product that mixes fruit juice with the coconut water. This is my favorite one to drink because I like to drink it at night to keep away the late night cravings.

3. Cherry Juice

Cherry Juice is good stuff. It helps with inflammation and muscle function. In addition it strengths your immune system and balances your melatonin levels. So you won't get sick and you'll sleep better. I personally like the taste of cherry juice. It has a sweet and sour thing going for it.

4. Supplements

There are probably several supplements you can take to help with pain but I keep it simple. Just take calcium and magnesium. Taking both of these will promote bone and muscle heath. I think magnesium helps with inflammation too. I actually take calcium and magnesium for my A.D.D. because they balance out the nervous system so if you have a similar issue you'll be getting extra benefits. If your really struggling with inflammation you can also try taking a supplement called Zyflamend for awhile.

5. Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salt baths are particularly good if you have an injury, but they can be great if you're just feeling a little sore or stressed too. Basically soaking in Epsom salts is just another way to get a boost of magnesium in your system. Furthering your to ability to balance electrical impulses in your body, relax your muscles, and eliminate harmful toxins in your body. I like to soak in the Dr.Teal's brand of Epsom salts. The product comes in a resealable bag and they mix in aroma therapy oils with the salts. So it smells good and it's helping you out.

6. Massage Rollers, Tennis Balls, and Golf Balls

While I highly suggest finding a good massage therapist sometimes I just can't afford to go. When this happens I have a couple alternatives to get me through until I can get more funds flowing. The most important one is a massage roll. You can get one in most places that sell athletic equipment and do get one because they are awesome. It's a great way to realign your spine and massage any of the larger muscle group causing you problems. If you can find one with those little pressure point nobs it's extra good, because it will really pin point those issues.

Now what do you do if the problems are focused on a smaller muscle group? Pull out your tennis balls and golf balls. Everyone usually has at least one in the the house, and if you don't they aren't expensive to buy. Tennis balls are great for rolling out the pain in those medium sized muscle groups, your neck, or popping hard to get to spots in your spine. You can also use them to pressure point spots in the larger muscle groups. If you are wanting to roll out those muscle cramps or pain in your calves or feet pull out the handy dandy golf ball. It's the perfect size for job. I will warn you that if you have pets you might want to keep your tennis balls and golf balls out of their reach. They obviously don't know that they are not toys but tools for your physical therapy.

7. Exercise

Keep everything moving. I can say from personal experience at the moment that most of why I hurt now is because to went from exercising everyday to just doing something a couple times a week. I totally need to take my own advice a exercise more. Even if you're not feeling 100% stretching and low impact movement will still help you out. The odds are that the more you laze about the house the more you tense up. Also some of the pain might be because there is a weak muscle somewhere else in your body. You'll probably really feel better if you warming everything up with a good sweat and building strength where you need to. Try out different exercise classes or dance classes too see what works for you. Even a power walk is good. Of course listen to your body and be aware of the severity of your injury. Don't be afraid to adapt movements or ask the teacher or trainer for adaptations that work the same muscles\joints but don't cause you pain.

8. Rub Some Flexall On It

Flexall is a brand of pain relief gel. It's kind of like Icy Hot but it's WAY better. It includes three proven pain relievers and works wonders on muscle pain. You'll smell minty fresh but you'll feel better.


Well I hope this helps. I am no medical professional but dancing for 17 years has given me some tricks. See you later. Keep it shiny!